New Hello editor announced

Sonja Stephen has been announced as the new Editor of weekly society glossy, Hello! Middle East. Previously Deputy Editor of the international magazine brand, which falls under the Motivate Publishing umbrella, Stephen takes the reigns with immediate effect after Elle Timms stepped down earlier this month to persue freelance writing opportunities.

“I’m proud, honoured and over the moon about my promotion to Editor,” says Stephen. “I’m looking forward to driving the magazine to even greater success”.

Contact Sonja Stephen at sonja@motivate.ae

 

Al Jazeera America goes live

Qatar-based TV news channel, Al-Jazeera has made its debut in America today. In a move that is sure to cause very divided opinion, Al Jazeera America aims to shake up broadcast journalism market in the states, AFP has reported. Al-Jazeera America will reach more than 40 million households and vastly expands the footprint of the Doha-based media group, despite questions about how it will be received by American viewers.

Elle Timms says goodbye to Hello!

Elle Timms has announced she will step down as Hello! Middle East Editor after a successful year at the helm of the celebrity and society glossy published by Motivate Publishing, Dubai. British-born Elle became a mother for the first time this summer and is now enjoying a freelance career to be able to spend more time at home with her new daughter, Olive Tabitha.

“I have hugely enjoyed the last three years at Motivate publishing, where I started as Fashion & Beauty Editor for the Emirates Woman Group,” says Elle. “I am saddened to leave behind such a great team and colleagues, however during this equally challenging new stage of my life I need to follow my heart and plan to continue writing and editing while spending valuable time with my baby girl. I wish the team all the best and will be avidly watching to see how the the title develops in the future.”

Deputy Editor, Sonja Stephen, will continue as Acting Editor until a replacement is announced.

Contact Elle Timms for freelance projects at elletimms@me.com