In The Hot Seat – Caitlyn Davey
Team TMN catch up with Caitlyn Davey, Deputy Editor at Lovin Dubai, who talks about her new role and what she thinks of the media industry in the Middle East…
Name: Caitlyn Davey
Age: 28
From: Australia
Current job title: Deputy Editor, Lovin Dubai
When did you first arrive in Dubai?
I worked in Abu Dhabi from February 2013, then got a job with 7DAYS in September 2014 after which, I moved to Dubai in January 2015.
Where did you work prior?
I was working part-time in Brisbane media for a community radio station as well as freelance.
What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
I didn’t know a lot about the local media. I was familiar with a few publications, but came over to stay with my mum so she introduced me to a lot of it.
Has your opinion changed much?
I’ve learnt a lot about the country and the media landscape – it’s an interesting time to be in media in the UAE as it changes and shifts towards digital. I don’t think my opinion has changed, so much as I have learnt more.
Tell us about your current role…
I’m the Deputy Editor at Lovin Dubai, which means I’m responsible for the editorial content on the site. It’s a digital product so I spend my days hunting down stories, writing them up quickly and working with our commercial team. I also work on the social media, running competitions, engaging with our followers and finding new ways to present information.
What challenges do you face?
Time is our biggest battle, we’re a small team and are producing a huge amount of content so it’s always a race against the clock to get enough well-written coverage. As a new brand, we’re growing rapidly and working to expand on our brand awareness.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping community initiatives have a voice is really enjoyable. I love hearing from our readers too – whether that’s through social media or personally. Our site gets a lot of feedback and it’s always exciting to know people are reading and engaging with our content.
How would you rather be contacted at work?
Email, always email!
What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
I think there are some excellent publications here that produce quality content. I would like to see more quality digital products, but I think that’s happening now.
Is traditional media still relevant in the UAE today?
Absolutely, I have worked in traditional media prior to my current job and it’s a fundamental part of life here. Revenue still comes from print advertising to a large degree and while that is shifting, it’s still a part of the makeup of a lot of companies. Plus I think there’s something so luxurious about the aesthetics of a piece of paper in your hand – it’s the same with books.
Describe yourself in five words…
Passionate, hilarious, enthusiastic, creative and loud
What’s your most overused saying?
That’s amazing…
What’s the most exciting thing that has happen to you in your career?
It sounds corny, but getting the job at 7DAYS was one of the best things to ever happen to me, it opened so many doors. And because of that job – I inadvertently signed up for a boxing reality TV show for a story and ended up on the show, and in a boxing ring. Also, meeting Michael Buble was a highlight.
Five things you can’t live without?
Bottle of water, phone, laptop, my Converse shoes, a pen… and paper.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
Something where I don’t have to sit down too long – I’m happiest outside, moving around and talking to people.
What is your favourite form of media (i.e; TV, radio, print)?
TV and video will always have a special place in my heart. I love that it has both visual and audio components and when it’s lifestyle content, I get to inject a bit of my own personality into the mix. In saying that, writing is always an important part of the equation because whether it’s TV, digital, radio or anything, there’s still an element of writing to it.
How do you see the media industry changing in the UAE in the coming years?
More digital presence from the existing brands, and more apps. I think with sites like Lovin Dubai leading the way, we will get more fast-paced products aiming to share information more rapidly. I’d also expect to see more online video and TV channels establishing themselves in the UAE as news providers.