Last month, Reem Akkad was promoted to senior editor on The Washington Post’s international desk, a step that "recognizes her formidable leadership on the desk and across departments in driving innovative, transcendent storytelling."
She is described as a “pioneer” with a “visual-first” approach to journalism that marries, text, photos, video, graphics and audio. Since she joined The Post in 2015, Reem has made an imprint by becoming its first visual enterprise editor, crafting bold multilayered stories and leading with an award-winning collaborative approach.
International news has consistently been the top story in a country often accused of not caring enough about news beyond its borders. Why do you think Americans are so engaged right now, especially with the war in Gaza?
Younger audiences appear to be very engaged with the war in Gaza. I believe that's because they are seeing videos and photos in real time all over social media. Though that kind of engagement does not always transfer to other platforms, and it certainly doesn't always transfer to other global news events. So the way we try to get people to pay attention is by approaching stories in less traditional ways, by making them more visual and more integrated, and by helping people feel like they've been transported to another place they can discover through our work.
What stories or projects has the international desk worked on this year that you recommend our members read?
I would be happy to share our work because I'm so proud of what my team does. Here are a few examples:
Palestinian Paramedics Die Trying to Save Girl
The Maestro
Front Line Between Ukrainian & Russian Forces
A subscription may be required to view these articles.
Your promotion comes at a time of ongoing economic constraints across the industry and a general malaise about the erosion of the public’s respect for the profession of journalism. How do you help boost the morale of your team?
We are lucky to be doing work that we love, and we are always open to innovating, trying new storytelling formats, and expanding our reach on social media. We are all very aware of the challenges our industry is facing, but we always turn back to the spine of journalism, which is to deliver the best information we know in the most engaging way possible and hope it somehow has an impact.
What or who is inspiring you right now?
I am inspired by the journalists in Gaza who are working under the most difficult circumstances, risking their lives, and yet still working every day to tell and show the story of what is happening to them and the people around them.
I am also inspired by my own colleagues who are brilliant, creative, tenacious, journalists. The Washington Post is full of incredibly talented reporters and editors. I am honored to be in the room with them.
|
