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.
