Editor, Richard Jinman

Name: Richard Jinman
Age: 49
From: London, UK
Current Job Title: Editor, The Week Middle East

When did you first arrive in Dubai?
On February 15, 2014.

Where did you work prior?
I worked for two broadsheet newspapers in Australia – The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald. I’ve also worked for The Guardian in the UK and TheWeek.co.uk.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
It was exciting to see the range and diversity of news media in the region.

Tell us about your role…
I’m in Dubai to launch the Middle East edition of The Week, a news magazine that’s hugely successful in the UK and the US. The magazine distills the week’s top news items into an informative and entertaining package, as well as providing a guide to property, travel destinations, the arts and new technology (among others).

What challenges do you face?
Getting familiar with the news agenda in the region, and making sure I’m aware of as many news outlets and news blogs as possible. 

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Editing a news magazine in the Middle East! I’ve been fascinated by the region for years, but working as a journalist here is very exciting.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
There are plenty of well-produced glossies and lifestyle magazines, but I do think there’s room for more products that report and analyse the news.

How do you find PRs in the region?
Very friendly so far!

What’s your pet PR peeve?
The PR who phones up to say – “Hi, I just sent you an email. Have you got it?”

What advice can you offer PRs seeking coverage your magazine?
Send me an email (don’t ask me if I’ve got it!) or give me a call. The Week is a very broad publication and we’re interested in everything, from the latest app to the best places to eat in Qatar.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
I’m old school – give the landline a go.

Describe yourself in five words…
Tall. Curious. Myopic. Quizzical. Erm…can I have tall again?

What’s your most overused saying?
“I love that story.”

Five things you can’t live without?
My wife-to-be, my Leica M9, my electric toothbrush, my notepad and my phone.

If you weren’t a journalist, what would you be?
A photographer.