Profile: Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, a veteran journalist and CNET editor
Gael Fashingbauer Cooper is a longtime journalist and the current editor at CNET, known for her keen eye for pop culture and technology trends. She has turned nostalgia into a meaningful lens for contemporary storytelling, blending tech coverage with cultural recall.
She is the co-author of two books that dig into bygone eras: Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops? The Lost Toys, Tastes and Trends of the ’70s and ’80s, and The Totally Sweet ’90s. These works reflect her passion for cataloging the moments, gadgets, toys, and tastes that shaped a generation.
Cooper has been writing and reporting since 1989, with a diverse career that includes roles at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Twin Cities Sidewalk, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and NBC News Digital. Her background spans print and digital platforms, giving her a broad affinity for both in-depth reporting and accessible, engaging storytelling.
A Gen X observer by birth and approach, she brings a personal perspective to her work—one that resonates with readers who grew up alongside rapid shifts in technology and culture. She also has a lighthearted streak, joking that if Marathon candy bars ever make a comeback, she’d be first in line.
In recent years, Cooper’s work at CNET continues to blend technology news with cultural context, helping readers understand how digital innovations intersect with everyday life.
Editor’s note: Cooper’s blend of tech insight and nostalgia offers a valuable angle for readers seeking connections between past trends and current digital developments. Her career path—from local magazines to national digital outlets—highlights the enduring importance of clear, character-driven storytelling in tech journalism. If you’re exploring how pop culture eras influence today’s tech landscape, her ongoing coverage provides a thoughtful compass.