النخلة | عائلة الأغا

Alexandria · Virginia, United States.

BROADCAST JOURNALIST · WEB EDITOR · TRANSLATOR

Dedicated broadcast journalist, Web Editor , translator, interpreter and media relations specialist with excellent language skills and fluency in multiple Arabic dialects as well as English. Uses extensive knowledge of Gulf States culture, business customs and traditions to produce accurate translations, create compelling online or print copy and deliver credible reporting. Works effectively with interdisciplinary teams. Key skills:

Journalism · Television · News Presenter · Film · Public Relations · Radio Broadcasts · Copywriting · Understanding of key Arab regional, historical, political and cultural issues ·Translation · Proofreading · Production · Voice-Overs · Online Journalism· Communications· Web Content & Layout · Project Management · Media Relations · Organisational Development · Field Reporting · Live Reports · News Interviews · Team Management · Broadcast Programming

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Middle East Broadcasting Networks: Radio Sawa, Washington DC. 2010 – present

Radio Sawa seeks to effectively communicate with the youthful population of Arabic-speakers in the Middle East by providing up-to-date news, information and entertainment on radio stations throughout the region and on Radio Sawas website. Radio Sawa is dedicated to broadcasting accurate, timely and relevant news about the Middle East, the world and the United States. Radio Sawa is committed to the highest standards of journalism, free marketplace of ideas, respect for the intelligence and culture of its audience, and a style that is upbeat, modern and forward-looking. Radio Sawa, a 24-hour, seven day a week Arabic-language network, began broadcasting on March 23, 2002. It originates its broadcasts from studios in the Washington, DC area as well as news bureaus throughout the Middle East.

Arabic Web Editor: Monitor global news networks and analyse breaking news stories. Translate news stories, videos and audio files from English to Arabic and publish to the Radio Sawa website. Create daily reports. Shift pattern covering the 24 hour broadcasting of Radio Sawa. Generate news items in accordance with MBN guidelines and goals. Arrange and organise field interviews. Team member, monitoring performance and translation quality.

During my work as Web Editor and on many occasions as Shift Editor, I have had to research topics, find the best angle to a story, contribute ideas for treatments and for the website. I have a proven ability to work effectively in both written and spoken Arabic and English.

Key Accomplishments:

Successfully analysed developing news stories and published to Radio Sawa website.

· Consistently upheld Broadcasting Board of Governors and MBN journalism standards and skilfully controlled Arabic version of content originally created in English to ensure accurate translation and presentation.

Met tight deadlines as part of daily routine, including working hours flexibility at times of covering breaking news.

· As an integral part of the Website team I use my initiative to research, make interviews and find the right guests for the story.

As a Web Editor I have often worked on a number of stories or projects at the same time.

I have a proven ability to work effectively in both written and spoken Arabic and English.

Consistently maintained my strong interest in Middle Eastern, US and international affairs.

Proven a high level of communication skills with my colleagues and the management. Maintain good relationships with the team members requiring flexibility and resilience by managing emotions in the face of pressure, and when dealing with provocative situations.

Demonstrated an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.

Works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups.

BBC WORLD NEWS & QATAR FOUNDATION, London · 2009

BBC: leading breaking news, sports and current events reporting organisation with global TV and radio broadcasts; Qatar Foundation: education, science and community development organisation.

Arabic Web Editor: Serve as freelance journalist and translator for The Doha Debates programme, which airs 8 times per year. Manage Doha Debates web page content and illustrations, upholding BBC standards of journalistic excellence. Upload photos, format site and organise content display and page layout using the Content Management System. Translate and edit content from the English site for the Arabic language site. Update information with videos, speaker information and online surveys.

Key Accomplishments:

· Collaborated with Doha Debates programme personnel and staff from the Qatar Foundation headquarters to establish, manage and update Arabic language site.

· Consistently upheld BBC journalism standards and skilfully controlled Arabic version of content originally created in English to ensure accurate translation and presentation.

WPP COMPANIES: GREY WORLDWIDE MIDDLE EAST NETWORK, Qatar · 2008

Award-winning global advertising and marketing group specialising in public affairs, brand management, customer relationship management, sales promotion and interactive marketing.

Arabic Copywriter: Leveraged exceptionally strong classic Arabic language skills to write and edit advertisements, marketing documents, documentary scripts and press releases. Worked closely with account managers and creative teams to discuss concepts and coordinate client campaigns. Served as resident Gulf States dialect expert, meeting directly with local clients to discuss campaign themes, project plans, timing, objectives and budgets. Translated all documents from Arabic to English, including contracts, agreements, memos and correspondence.

Key Accomplishments:

Created highly effective copy, using outstanding command of classic Arabic and English skills.

· Played key role in rolling out campaigns for some of Qatar’s top-selling brands, including Mercedes Benz, Qatar Islamic Bank, Reach out to Asia Charity (ROTA), Qatar Foundation, Jaidah Automotive (General Motors) and Carrefour Group.

QATAR RADIO & TELEVISION CORPORATION, Qatar · 2002-2005

Leading radio and TV broadcast company covering news, sports, national events and providing entertainment programming.

Broadcast Journalist: Reporter, News editor and Anchorman for the Arabic Business News dept. my duties included preparing field reports, conducting interviews, editing film reports, presenting live reports from the Doha Stock Market.

I as well Provided live news reports and conducted interviews, leading a team of 4. Spearheaded field reporting assignments and edited news programmes. Coordinated broadcast news, setting order for daily reports and weekly programmes. Conducted media research.

Key Accomplishments:

Consistently delivered excellent programming, managing stress under tight deadlines to produce thoroughly researched and expertly delivered reports on a variety of topics.

Covered a wide array of stories, including economic news, politics and international events.

· Gained valuable expertise with numerous technical tools and systems used in radio and TV broadcasting, including Radioman, Dalet, Avistar and CoolEdit.

TITAN CORPORATION & US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE, Qatar · 2003-2004

Information and communications products, services and solutions firm serving the US Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defence.

Quality Controller / Linguist: Translated documents, videos and audio files from Arabic to English and provided spoken language interpretation services. Created daily reports. Supervised a translation team, monitoring performance and translation quality.

Key Accomplishments:

Skilfully managed a team of 15, ensuring top quality performance and providing support.

Accurately translated mission-critical documents and files, using exceptional language skills.

CAREER NOTE: Job history includes numerous freelance assignments, providing copywriting and English to Arabic translation services to many top media outlets in the UK from 2007 to 2009. Also served as a Reporter, Editor and Translator in the PR department at Qatar Media Services; a Copywriter and Translator at Publicis Graphics; and as Executive Secretary to the President of Al-Fardan Automobiles / BMW. Details are available upon request.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Master of Arts in International Journalism: 2006

Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales

Bachelor of Arts in Translation and Interpretation: 2001

Applied Science University, Amman, Jordan

LANGUAGES

Fluent in Classic Arabic & English

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

Microsoft Office Suite · Content Management Systems

European Computer Driving Licence: Information & Communication Technology

File Management · Word Processing · Spreadsheets · Databases

Presentations · Web Browsing · Site Creation · Information Technology