« Previous 1 2
1 2 Next »
Hannah Allam, Cairo Bureau Chief
Youngest U.S. Newspaper Bureau Chief Hannah AllamImagine engaging in dialogue with communities from the most war torn cities around the globe, documenting international affairs as they happen by the minute, and country-hopping to more than a dozen locales annually. Imagine these opportunities as your full time job! For Hannah Allam, age 29, Cairo Bureau Chief for McClatchy Newspapers, this is the reality that's helped effectively encapsulate world events for the domestic audience. Covering events in the Middle East and the Islamic World, Hannah's reporting brings the ravages and spectacles of war a bit closer to home helping readers better understand the true meaning of conflict and combat. As the youngest bureau chief for an American newspaper, Hannah may have a lot to prove, but if her professional history is any sign of future achievements, Hannah's most likely to run her own newspaper chain by age 30. Read on in this week's Young & Professional Profile to learn how this once fully veiled journalist has a never-ending beat and a constantly unfolding story.
Company
McClatchy Newspapers (formerly Knight Ridder)
Website
www.mcclatchydc.com
Name, Title
Hannah Allam
Cairo Bureau Chief
Age
29
Hometown
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Suez, Egypt
Current residence
Cairo, Egypt
Education
University of Oklahoma
BA in Journalism ('99)
Work Experience
McClatchy Newspapers
Cairo Bureau Chief
Jan '06 to present
Knight Ridder
Baghdad Bureau Chief
St. Paul Pioneer Press
Legal Affairs Reporter
The Washington Post
Internship to Full-Time Position
Ethnicity
Arab, North African, White
About the company
The best thing about McClatchy (Knight Ridder) Newspapers is that my bosses aren't afraid to take chances to improve our coverage, or find ways to engage readers. They hired me at age 25 to build and lead their biggest foreign bureau, which is in Baghdad. The job came with huge risks, as well as rewards. Back in the Washington bureau, our reporters were breaking the first stories to poke holes in the Bush administration's pre-war intelligence. In Baghdad, we broke news and offered readers a close-to-the-ground look at what life is like for Iraqis. This comprehensive approach to the war garnered us several industry awards and, we hope, brought home the war in a way to which Americans can relate.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
My coverage area is the entire Middle East, including Iran, the Gulf States, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and North Africa. With so many countries on my "beat," I constantly monitor the news wires, such as AP and Reuters, to check for breaking news. It's a very fast-paced, competitive and demanding job which is totally unpredictable. This past summer, for example, the Middle East erupted with a number of conflicts and controversies, so I spent several months on the road. I covered the Islamist takeover in Mogadishu, the Iranian nuclear crisis, the Kuwaiti elections, and the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. In the past year alone, I've traveled through Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Austria, England, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Most notable milestones
My biggest career milestone was becoming the Baghdad Bureau Chief at age 25, making me the youngest bureau chief in the American newspaper industry. It was an enormous responsibility. Journalism often took second place to security concerns because of our location in one of the most dangerous cities on the planet. We went on to win several awards, including Journalist of the Year 2004 from the National Association of Black Journalists, the award for Best Reporting from Abroad 2005 from the Overseas Press Club, and a string of Knight Ridder Excellence Awards, as well as the John S. Knight Gold Medal.
What's the niche?
Unlike most American reporters covering the Middle East, I am from this region and spent my most formative years here. I am also a Muslim, which helps with trust and access in some wary communities. I think my cultural background really helps open doors and contributes to the fair and balanced coverage of a highly controversial region.
What's the biggest challenge?
Security! There are so many important stories to be told in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and several other nations, but the Middle East is one of the world's most dangerous places to be a journalist. Apart from the car bombings in Iraq and assassinations in Lebanon, the state security forces of several of these countries intimidate, harass and arrest journalists who uncover corruption or other scandals.
What's in store for the future?
I would love to continue living in Egypt and covering the entire region. There is a lot of lives and resources at stake in the Middle East, and I hope to keep reporting stories from here for a long time to come.
« Previous 1 2
1 2 Next »
“If my stories start a dialogue, lead to policy changes or bring awareness to suffering, then I feel I've done my job to the best of my ability.” Best way to keep a competitive edge
Keep your finger on the pulse of the streets to determine the latest trends, demands and issues.
Guiding principle in life
The ethics code for journalists: "Seek the truth and report it fully, act independently and minimize harm."
Yardstick of success
If my stories start a dialogue, lead to policy changes or bring awareness to suffering, then I feel I've done my job to the best of my ability.
Goal yet to be achieved
I'd still like to go to grad school. Perfecting my Arabic is another long-term goal.
Best practical advice
Don't be afraid to quit or try something new in your quest for a fulfilling career. Big risks can lead to big rewards.
Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture
My mother told me to follow my heart.
Mentors
Too many to count! I've been blessed to have a number of supportive colleagues from inside and outside the industry who have helped me with tough decisions and crises such as the deaths of our friends and colleagues in Iraq.
What motivated you to get started?
Writing has been my passion since I was a little girl, and I knew I always wanted to be a journalist. But the turning point in my career came with 9/11, and the overnight scrutiny of Arabs and Muslims. I felt I could play a role in busting stereotypes and adding context to U.S. newspaper coverage of the events unfolding in the Islamic World.
Like best about what you do?
The chance to travel to far-flung places and hear fascinating stories from all over the globe.
Like least about what you do?
It's a 24-hour job that leaves little room for social life or free time, but so far the job has been worth the sacrifice.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A novelist.
What was your first job?
Selling Versace swimwear at a mall in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Biggest pastimes outside of work
Traveling and reading.
Three interesting facts about yourself
1. I have a little sister, Haleema, who is 19 years younger than me.
2. I almost died from a poisonous spider bite in Botswana.
3. I used to be fully veiled (niqab).
Three characteristics that describe you
1. Intrepid
2. Compassionate
3. Goofy
Three greatest passions
1. My family
2. Journalism/writing
3. Music
Favorite book
Too many to name! But I like Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Amin Maalouf, all the Russian masters and some emerging Arab novelists.
Favorite cause
Women's issues.
« Previous 1 2
1 2 Next »
Also this week
Don't forget!
Non-Profit Spotlight | News2Know
|
Top of Page
Young & Professional Profile 
ConnectionPoint
Non-Profit Spotlight 
