Freelance Editor/Journalist and Media & Communication Specialist

Bassam Zaazaa

Nationality: Lebanese

Birthdate: August 19, 1974

Address: Mar Elias Beirut, Lebanon,

Mobile: +961-*-******

Email: **********@*****.***, Twitter: @bassamzaza, LinkedIn: [Bassam Zaazaa]

Career Objectives:

As a veteran media professional with 19 years of experience, I aim to deploy my expertise as a senior journalist/editor in media and communications role within a broader organizational mission and mandate.

My scaling proficiency with the UAE’s leading English-language daily, Gulf News, developed out in me a motivated and determined individual seeking a senior editorial position in order to utilize an extensive background in journalism, digital and social media and/or communication.

Professional Experience:

Freelance journalist/editor in Lebanon: January 2019 till present

Freelance editor/journalist writing/editing news articles and features for different digital portals and print publications.

Freelance media & communication specialist with regional PR and communication agencies and law firms.

Covered [print, digital and video reporting] on political, human, social, business and security topics connected to the Lebanese revolution for Gulf News.

Contributing with Arab News [Japan edition] to report on the escape of ousted French-Lebanese businessman, Carlos Ghosn, to Beirut.

Legal and Court Correspondent, Gulf News Dubai, UAE: March 2011 till December 2018

Reported /edited justice news for print, digital and social media.

Coached interns and trainees.

Edited/proofread weekly legal columns.

Senior Reporter, Gulf News: October 2007 – February 2011

Covered news events of justice, education, humanitarian and community affairs.

Covered special business and travel assignments

Junior Reporter, Gulf News: November 2001 – September 2007

Reported on education, justice, diplomacy, community affairs, political and media forums.

Interviewed top educationists and senior executives of academic institutions.

Covered regional and international exhibitions.

Liaison officer World Cup 2002 PR Committee: February 2001

Handled media communication and public relations between the Lebanese Football Association (LFA) and Pakistan National team.

Liaison officer in Asian Cup 2000 PR Committee: October/November 2000

Coordinated between Qatar National team and LFA on all communication and media related issues.

Intern at Lebanese Defense Ministry: December 1999 - October 2000

Served as news assistant in the media department

Drafted communiques and press releases

Co-edited articles, reports and interviews for several publications

Managed media information sessions

Intern at formerly As-Safir Newspaper: October 1998 - February 1999

Covered education beat

Wrote investigations and features

Edited wires’ news and press releases

Student Assistant at Lebanese American University (LAU) Publications Office: June - September 1998

Worked as news assistant

Wrote stories for the LAU Tribune

Co-authored in several LAU publications

Awards and Achievements:

Awarded the Dubai Judicial Institute certificate for distinguished contribution in 2010.

First prize for media coverage of 6th International Association of Prosecutors Regional Conference in 2009

Awarded the Zayed University certificate of distinguished media coverage between 2004 and 2008

Awarded the Emirates Cultural Festival certificate for distinguished media coverage in 2004.

Awarded the Dubai Courts Department certificate for distinguished media coverage in 2002 and 2003.

Granted Dubai Men’s College certificate of appreciation for distinguished coverage in 2001/2002.

Workshops:

Attended a UNHCR media workshop coaching journalists in covering humanitarian reports and stories.

Attended media workshops during the Conference of Media Ethics and Journalism in the Arab World at LAU in 2004

Special Freelancing:

2004-2013: Contributing Stringer with Associated Press, Dubai

2007-2012: Freelancer with Reuters, Dubai

2010-2013: Stringer with British tabloids

2009-2014: Weekly feature writer with Sayyedaty Magazine, Dubai

Education:

Lebanese American University, Beirut-Lebanon 1994-1998: Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts/Media, Journalism and Public Relations

Saint Mary’s Orthodox College, Beirut-Lebanon 1993-194 Lebanese Baccalaureate in Philosophy

Language Skills:

Fluent in spoken, written and reading Arabic

Fluent in spoken, written and reading English

IT Skills:

Proficient in Microsoft Word

Adept in CMS Prestige and Saxo-press

Intermediate experience in Excel and Adobe Photoshop

Skilled in social media [Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook]

General Skills:

Hardworking and loyal

Ability to work under pressure

Adaptability, leadership and problem-solving

Verbal and written communication

Self-motivation and perseverance

Discipline, organization and teamwork

Hobbies:

Swimming, jogging, football, camping and hiking

Scouting, cultural, social and community services with Lebanese Boyscouts Association

References to be provided upon request

Contact this candidate