JEDDAH: Arab News, the Middle East’s leading English-language daily, has launched bureaus in Europe and Asia as part of its ongoing global, digital expansion.
The multimedia news-gathering hubs, run by two veteran journalists with decades of experience in the field, will contribute to the print edition and website www.arabnews.com.
Award-winning journalist Baker Atyani — an expert on terrorism and militant groups in Asia, having covered conflict zones on the continent for the past two decades — will lead the Southeast Asia bureau.
Throughout his career, Atyani has had several exclusives, including an interview with Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden before the 9/11 terror attacks.
On assignment in 2012, Atyani was kidnapped by one of the sub factions of the Abu Sayyaf Group in the Sulu Islands in southern Philippines. He was held for 18 months before being freed in December 2013.
Atyani was honored by the UN in December 2013 for his contributions to journalism, while the May Chidiac Foundation (MCF) gave him the “Exceptional Courage in Journalism” award in September 2014. Atyani will spearhead Arab News’ coverage of Asia, across print, online and video with a particular focus on India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
In addition, Arab News senior editor Ben Flanagan has been promoted to become the paper’s first London bureau chief. Upon being fully staffed, the London operation will cover the UK and Europe from an Arab perspective, with a particular focus on politics, business and investment. It will also serve as a digital hub for the newspaper.
Flanagan has 16 years’ experience working on national newspapers and news portals in Europe and the Middle East, and has reported from numerous countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon, Singapore, India and the US.
He started his career in London at The Observer, part of the Guardian Media Group, and the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper.
Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, said that the new bureaus support the newspaper’s “more digital, more global” strategy.
“It is a great pleasure for us to have these two exceptionally experienced, incredibly capable journalists heading up our crucial Asia and UK operations, this inevitably adds much value to our readers who will be sure to get the best relevant content and stories from these regions,” said Abbas.
Arab News is part of the regional publishing giant Saudi Research and Marketing Group (SRMG). It has been the English newspaper of record for Saudi Arabia and the region for over 40 years.
Arab News appoints Baker Atyani to run Asia operations, Ben Flanagan to run London bureau
Arab News appoints Baker Atyani to run Asia operations, Ben Flanagan to run London bureau
Saudi Media Forum expects large rollout of speakers, panels ahead of 5th edition
- More than 300 participants expected to discuss issues, challenges facing sector
- Leading platform for media exchange will explore ways to keep pace with a rapidly changing world
RIYADH: The fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum due to kick off in early February is expected to attract more than 300 participants across hundreds of panels.
The forum aims to explore the future of media in a rapidly transforming world, reflecting the dynamic cultural and developmental landscape of the Saudi Arabia.
High-level editors, reporters, and speakers include Karen Elliott House, former executive editor of The Wall Street Journal; Julie Pace, executive editor and senior vice president of the Associated Press; and Ben Smith, co-founder and editor-in-chief of the global news platform Semafor.
The forum is a leading Saudi platform for media exchange and cooperation, fostering capacity building, stimulating innovation, and building bridges of communication locally and globally.
The fifth edition reaffirms the forum’s status as a pivotal event in the year of media transformation, bringing together the most prominent media figures to discuss the issues and challenges facing the sector, and ways to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.
The forum includes the Future of Media Exhibition, which will bring together government entities and private companies, both local and international, under one roof. Exhibitor pavilions will showcase the latest products and contributions in media, radio, and television. These pavilions, alongside the dedicated presentation platform, provide an opportunity for participants to share their innovations and specialized services with visitors.
The exhibition’s main stage will offer comprehensive insights into the media sector through panel discussions, dialogues, and workshops featuring local and international speakers, while also providing opportunities for signing cooperation agreements and partnerships.
