In The Hot Seat – Paromita Dey

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Paromita Dey, Editor, Logistics News ME at BNC Publishing talks to TMN about her current role and what she thinks about the media industry in the Middle East…

 Name: Paromita Dey

Age: 30

From: India

Current job title: Editor, Logistics News ME, BNC Publishing

When did you first arrive in Dubai?

2014

Where did you work prior?

I worked on Construction Week at ITP Media Group as a Reporter and before that, I worked with an independent real estate magazine, Gulf Property, for a year. Prior to arriving in Dubai, I worked in Oman with daily newspaper, Muscat Daily as a Senior Business Reporter and prior to that, in India with an online news portal as a Reporter.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?

Although we say that ‘first impression is the last impression’, it has not been the case with my first impression of the media industry in the Middle East. Coming from a journalism background in India where media is considered to be the fifth pillar of the economy, I was definitely in for a shock since the Middle East was still way behind in terms of exposure and content production.

Has your opinion changed much?

Yes, I would say the opinion is changing at a slow pace. Slowly and steadily, the industry is opening up to a lot of global exposure, which is pretty much needed to survive in these times.

Tell us about your current role…

My current role as the Editor of the Logistics News ME entails me to write about the thriving logistics, supply chain, shipping and transportation industry in the Middle East. It also includes taking full control of the content production, design of the magazine and timely delivery of the product.

What challenges do you face?

The main challenge that I face in my job is the adherence to deadlines. Even if one person fails to stick to the mentioned deadline, we have to burn the midnight oil to put the issue to bed on time.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

With music…

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is the moment when I receive the first copy of my magazine on the first day of every month. It represents my dedication and the hard work that I had put through in getting a fabulous product out for my readers.

How would you rather be contacted at work?

At work, I prefer for people to contact me through my official email. Receiving a phone call might be a bit difficult sometimes due to work commitments.

How has digital media impacted the role of the readers in the magazine industry in the UAE?

Print and digital media fill in the gaps where the other lacks. Print has its own brand recognition and high level of engagement, whereas digital media is more suitable for video storytelling and wide exposure. Readers enjoy both depending on the available circumstances.

Is traditional media still relevant in the UAE today?

Traditional media, generally referred to as print, is still quite relevant in the UAE because it is tangible, creates a huge amount of engagement, establishes the brand and creates a feeling of legitimacy for the advertisers.

Has the region’s diverse audience posed as a limitation or advantage in producing editorial content?

It has been a mixed bag. Not knowing the local language posed limitations, but one should know the ways to work around it to produce quality editorial content. And I have had to learn to do that.

Describe yourself in five words…

Hardworking, focused, charming, punctual and friendly

What’s your most overused saying?

I will get back to you…. (Although I do make it a point to get back to each one).

What’s the most exciting thing that has happen to you in your career?

Everyday has been new and exciting with different experiences. I can’t single out any particular episode.

Five things you can’t live without?

My appointments diary, my Samsung S7 Edge, my iPod, my Guess wristwatch and L’Oreal Slim Eyeliner.

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?

If it wasn’t for my current role, I would be a software engineer and in addition to that, I would be a choreographer.

What is your favourite form of media (i.e; TV, radio, print)?

It must be print because nothing still beats picking up a copy of a magazine or newspaper and reading it along with a hot cup of coffee.

What advice would you offer to someone looking to start a career in the media industry in the UAE?

The media industry in the UAE is quite competitive. Three tips for a young and budding journalist in the country – be at the top of their game every time, build contacts and be original.

New digital agency launches

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Dawn Kubicek, previously Regional Account Director at Profusion, has launched a new social media and digital agency, Creative Active. With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, Dawn launched the agency to support businesses in the UAE through digital and analytical tools. Creative Active offers services ranging from SEO, digital PR, training and management on social media to analytics that ensure targets are met and budgets are managed effectively.

“We are very excited to be launching in the UAE,” says Dawn. “Everyone is eager to learn and use new innovative ideas to enhance their business performance.”

New Contributing Columnist at Arab News

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John Defterios joins Arab News as a contributing Columnist for the newspaper’s print and digital platforms. With over 36 years of experience in Journalism, John currently works with CNN as Editor and Anchor of CNNMoney Emerging Markets, as well as hosts the Marketplace Middle East show. Arab News will now feature John’s content on Middle East markets and businesses as well as exclusive reports and interviews from Marketplace Middle East.

New Managing Editor at Entrepreneur ME

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Entrepreneur Middle East has appointed Tamara Pupic to the role of Managing Editor. Previously Editor of Arabian Business StartUp, part of ITP Media Group, Tamara reported on the developments across the MENA startup and SME industry. Prior to starting her career in journalism in 2012, she worked in the international trade policy development field with more focus on the World Trade Organisation law. She is also the founding President of Club Alpbach Belgrade, part of the European Forum Alpbach, a Vienna-based organisation fostering interdisciplinary dialog in education, business and politics. In the UAE, Tamara has also helped establish United World College, UAE National Committee, the regional branch of the London-headquartered organisation of 17 international colleges. In her new role, she will join the editorial team and work with the Editor-in-Chief, Aby Sam Thomas on Entrepreneur Middle East’s editorial content across its digital and print channels.

“As Managing Editor, Tamara will be working with me and my team at Entrepreneur Middle East to develop editorial content and further our presence across our print, web and social channels,” says Aby Sam Thomas, Editor-in-Chief, Entrepreneur Middle East. “Tamara comes to us with a wealth of experience in the MENA entrepreneurial ecosystem and I look forward to having her fresh ideas to help continue to differentiate the Entrepreneur Middle East brand and its mission.”

IAS Media appoints New Vice President

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Dubai-based advertising company, International Advertising Services (IAS) Media has appointed Dana Ksaybi to the role of Vice President – Digital Division. With over six years of experience, Dana previously worked as Digital Solutions Specialist at Bayt.com, AMEinfo and most recently Thomson Reuters, where she provided digital solutions across the Reuters publications. In her new role, she will work closely with Vice President, Binu Matthew to handle the accounts for Reuters and The Washington Post with a focus on harnessing strategies and effective solutions to engage audiences with the regional titles.

“Established 25 years ago in the region, IAS Media continue to enjoy strong relationships with some of the World’s foremost publishers,” says Ali Asgar Mir, Founder and Managing Director, IAS Media. “Having Dana on board will greatly strengthen our ability to connect the region’s leading marketers and their agencies with these publishers.”

Sarah Hedley Hymers joins Conde Nast Traveller

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Conde Nast Traveller Middle East, part of APP Media Group has appointed Sarah Hedley Hymers to the role of Digital Director. With over 27 years of experience in journalism, Sarah previously worked with Ahlan! Group where she joined as Group Director and most recently held the position of Editorial Director. In her new role, she will oversee all digital operations for Conde Nast Traveller Middle East and develop creative strategies to execute across all digital platforms.

Time Out Dubai Announces 2017 awards date

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Time Out Dubai is set to host its eighth annual Music & Nightlife Awards on March 29, 2017 at the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre. With the nominees to be revealed on March 8 exclusively on timeoutdubai.com, the award event will see high profile figures in the music and nightlife circuit in attendance to celebrate the past 12 months of independent reviews of the restaurant and nightlife industries across Dubai. The winners will be announced at the end of the event followed by an exclusive after-party that will take place at the Cavalli Club.

“The past 12 months have seen the music scene in this city hit more high notes than ever before, while its nightlife offering for both residents and tourists is, simply, best in class,” says Holly Sands, Editor, Time Out Dubai. “And we on Time Out have been there every step, every song and every sparkler of the way. We can’t wait to announce these results, results that will mean our 1.2 million readers will continue to spend their precious time out in the very best ways they can. We take that duty to them very seriously and can’t wait to announce these results.”

Grey Group promotes Nadim Khoury

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Global communications agency, Grey Group MENA has promoted Nadim Khoury to the role of Chief Executive Officer. With over 24 years of experience, Nadim previously worked with Saatchi & Saatchi as Account Director before joining Grey Group as Account Director and most recently held the position of Chief Operating Officer. Nadim will take on his new role in Dubai, where he will report to Nirvik Singh, Chairman and CEO, Grey Group Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and oversee the Grey Group’s operations across the MENA region.

“It is an incredible honour to lead the Grey office as the network embarks on its 100th year,” says Nadim Khoury, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Grey Group, MENA. I am committed to driving further growth in order to provide greater value to our clients, associates and stakeholders. I believe 2017 is shaping up to be a year of tremendous potential.”