Hi,
I Am
FARZANA BINTE HOSSAIN
Summary
An accomplished Journalist and Communication Professional with over 18 years of experience spanning journalism, media & public relations, research, storytelling, and anchoring, achieving multiple national and international award, recognition, and certifications. Holding a master's degree in Anthropology with a focus on Culture & Media, I excel in diverse aspects of multimedia production, encompassing illustration, video and audio production, interaction design, and research. Fueled by a fervent commitment to storytelling and a discerning aesthetic sense, I offer a transferrable and distinctive fusion of creativity and technical expertise to convey messages across various platforms effectively.
Profession
Farzana Binte Hossain is the Bangladesh Chairperson of Voice of Media.This organization is dedicated to promoting media freedom and supporting journalists worldwide. Her role involves overseeing the organization's activities in Bangladesh, advocating for press freedom, and ensuring that journalists have the support they need to carry out their work effectively.
Profession
2016 – Present
Editor in Chief of BDPOLITICS24.COM
As the Editor-in-Chief I am responsible for shaping and upholding the editorial voice, tone, and overall content strategy of the news portal, ensuring it resonates with the target audience and aligns with the organization’s vision. This role involves leading and managing the editorial team, fostering high productivity and morale among writers, editors, and content creators. Key responsibilities include reviewing, approving, or revising content to uphold quality standards and adherence to the portal's policies and values and planning and managing the editorial calendar for timely and consistent publication. The Editor-in-Chief collaborates with stakeholders to align content strategies with business objectives, including audience growth, engagement, and monetization. Additionally, they work closely with digital marketing teams to optimize content for search engines and analyze performance metrics to refine strategies. Ensuring all content meets journalistic standards of accuracy, fairness, and impartiality is paramount, as is expanding the portal’s offerings through partnerships with external contributors, freelancers, and industry experts. Administrative duties include overseeing the editorial budget and ensuring efficient allocation of resources to support the team’s goals.
2014 – Present
Director of Operations & Marketing of Foreign Study Consultancy Firm
As the Director of Operations and Marketing, you will play a pivotal role in driving the organization’s success by developing and implementing strategic operational initiatives that align with the firm’s goals and objectives. You will oversee the design, enhancement, and execution of workflows to ensure optimal operational efficiency while managing and mentoring staff to maintain alignment with organizational priorities. On the marketing front, you will craft and execute comprehensive marketing plans aimed at driving client acquisition and retention, enhancing brand visibility, and strengthening brand positioning through innovative campaigns. Leading digital marketing efforts, you will leverage SEO, content marketing, social media, and email strategies to maximize engagement and growth. Additionally, you will establish and nurture partnerships with schools, universities, and other stakeholders in the education sector, fostering collaborative opportunities that support the organization’s mission
2022 – 2024
Senior Reporter & News Anchor of Ekushey Television Ltd. (ETV)
As a Senior Reporter and News Anchor, I excelled in field reporting and investigative journalism, with a particular focus on covering programs of the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, as well as issues related to politics and current affairs. My role required crafting and editing news items, creating datasets through meticulous research and analysis, and managing hourly news bulletins with precision. I developed and implemented comprehensive communication plans, collaborating with cross-functional teams to produce compelling written content and achieve organizational goals. My efforts extended to creating engaging, shareable content across social media platforms, executing content strategies to enhance brand visibility, and managing an online news portal along with social media accounts, ensuring timely posts, analytics tracking, and active audience engagement. As a broadcast journalist, I took a leadership role in videography, video and audio editing, production, and graphic design, combining creativity and technical expertise to deliver impactful stories across various platforms
2017 – 2022
Senior Reporter & News Anchor of SA Channel Pvt. Ltd. (SA TV)
As a Senior Reporter and News Anchor, I have specialized in delivering comprehensive coverage of political affairs, current events, and the programs of the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh. My expertise includes authoring and editing impactful news articles, creating datasets through meticulous research and analysis, and overseeing hourly news bulletins to ensure the timely and accurate dissemination of information. I have designed and executed strategic communication plans, conducted in-depth research, and collaborated with diverse teams to produce compelling written and multimedia content aligned with organizational goals. By developing and implementing innovative content strategies, I have enhanced brand visibility and audience engagement across online news portals and social media platforms, leveraging tools such as post scheduling, analytics tracking, and audience interaction. Additionally, I have led initiatives in videography, video and audio editing, production, and graphic design, contributing to high-quality broadcast journalism that resonates with diverse audiences.
2011 – 2016
Senior Reporter & News Anchor of Independent Television
As a Senior Reporter and News Anchor, I have demonstrated exceptional expertise in reporting extensively on political affairs and current events, with a strong emphasis on social justice and climate change. My role has encompassed producing and editing news content, conducting in-depth research, and developing datasets to ensure accurate and compelling storytelling. I have successfully managed hourly news bulletins while designing and executing comprehensive communication plans that align with organizational objectives. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I have created impactful written content and innovative visual elements to enhance audience engagement. Additionally, I have led the videography, video and audio editing, and production processes, integrating graphic designs to support broadcast initiatives. My commitment to delivering high-quality broadcast content through news anchoring and visual storytelling has solidified my reputation as a dynamic and effective communicator in the industry.
2009 – 2011
Senior Researcher at WaterAid Bangladesh
As a Senior Reporter and News Anchor, I have specialized in delivering comprehensive coverage of political affairs, current events, and the programs of the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh. My expertise includes authoring and editing impactful news articles, creating datasets through meticulous research and analysis, and overseeing hourly news bulletins to ensure the timely and accurate dissemination of information. I have designed and executed strategic communication plans, conducted in-depth research, and collaborated with diverse teams to produce compelling written and multimedia content aligned with organizational goals. By developing and implementing innovative content strategies, I have enhanced brand visibility and audience engagement across online news portals and social media platforms, leveraging tools such as post scheduling, analytics tracking, and audience interaction. Additionally, I have led initiatives in videography, video and audio editing, production, and graphic design, contributing to high-quality broadcast journalism that resonates with diverse audiences.
2007 – 2009
Staff Reporter at Prothom Alo
As a Staff Reporter, I excelled in delivering accurate, timely, and engaging news articles by conducting in-depth research, interviews, and investigations. I consistently produced high-quality news stories, feature articles, and opinion pieces under tight deadlines while adhering to rigorous editorial standards. By cultivating strong relationships with sources, I gained exclusive insights and firsthand accounts, enhancing the impact of my reporting. My work involved analyzing complex issues to provide balanced coverage of local, national, and international events, ensuring readers were well-informed. Collaborating closely with editors, photographers, and designers, I developed compelling multimedia content for both print and digital platforms. I actively monitored breaking news and emerging trends, delivering real-time coverage across multiple media channels and reporting live from events, crises, and press briefings. Through meticulous fact-checking, I upheld journalistic integrity and built public trust. Additionally, I developed expertise in specific beats such as politics, business, crime, or culture, offering authoritative reporting. Proficient in utilizing content management systems (CMS) and analytics tools, I effectively published and tracked article performance to continually refine and enhance my reporting
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
2016 – 2019
Adjunct Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies at Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
As a senior practicing journalist, my role as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Journalism and Communication department of Southeast University, Dhaka, has allowed me to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. By sharing real-world experiences and insights from the newsroom, I have inspired students to think critically, embrace ethical reporting, and understand the transformative power of journalism in shaping society. My mentorship has encouraged aspiring journalists to tackle pressing social issues, amplify marginalized voices, and pursue truth with courage and integrity. Beyond the classroom, my active involvement in the profession has helped foster strong industry-academic linkages, enabling students to gain firsthand exposure to the dynamics of the media landscape. This synergy has not only empowered future journalists but also contributed to an informed and socially conscious community, underscoring the vital role of journalism in a democratic society.
FELLOWSHIP
Climate Change Media Partnership Reporting Fellowship, Paris
The Climate Change Media Partnership Reporting Fellowship, hosted by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, is a prestigious program that selects 20 journalists annually from around the world. These journalists, chosen for their outstanding self-produced reports on climate change, are given the opportunity to attend global events, such as the one in Paris, to enhance their reporting skills and amplify their impact on environmental journalism.
Asia Journalism Fellowship
The Asia Journalism Fellowship, organized by the Temasek Foundation in collaboration with the Institute of Policy Studies at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, is one of the most prestigious fellowships in Asia. Each year, journalists from across the continent submit reports on critical issues such as geopolitics, foreign policy, government, and corruption. Only 15 journalists are selected for this highly competitive fellowship. I had the honor of being chosen as one of the fellows from Bangladesh in the past six years, gaining invaluable opportunities to learn from some of the world's best journalists.
EJC Media Fellowship
The EJC Media Fellowship, hosted by the European Journalism Centre in Maastricht, Netherlands, is one of the most prestigious fellowships in the world. Every year, journalists from around the world submit self-produced reports on critical issues like geopolitics, foreign policy, government, and corruption. Only 20 journalists are selected for the fellowship, providing an exceptional opportunity to learn from some of the world's best in the field. I had the honor of being one of the few selected from Bangladesh in the past decade
Investigative Journalism Fellowship on Institutional Harassment on Women
The Investigative Journalism Fellowship on Institutional Harassment of Women, hosted by the Media Resources Development Initiative in association with the FOJO Media Institute, Sweden, is a prestigious program that annually selects 30 journalists from around the world. This fellowship invites journalists to submit reports focused on women's empowerment, and it is recognized as one of the most esteemed opportunities for female journalists globally, offering a platform for in-depth investigation into critical issues affecting women.
CONTRIBUTIONS, AWARDS, HONORS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Presidential Award of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh- 2017
The award recognizes the significant contributions of journalists who make a positive impact on society through their news reporting. Each year, the Office of the President of Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, nominates 10 influential news reports. These reports are selected for their role in addressing national crises and aiding the government in resolving critical issues. From these nominations, three reports were chosen and the journalists behind them were honored with the prestigious award, acknowledging their dedication to truth and their instrumental role in shaping public awareness and societal progress. This recognition highlights the crucial role of journalism in fostering accountability, transparency, and positive change in society.
Bangladesh-India Friendship Award 2024
The "Bangladesh-India Friendship Award 2024" is a prestigious annual recognition presented by the India-Bangladesh Cultural Society. This esteemed award honors five outstanding journalists—two from Bangladesh and three from India—for their exceptional contributions to television journalism, particularly in the fields of investigative and diplomatic reporting. The award celebrates work that strengthens the bond between the two nations and fosters mutual understanding. It highlights the journalists' role in benefiting both countries through their impactful and responsible coverage. As one of the most respected awards in the journalistic community in Bangladesh, it underscores the significance of media in fostering international cooperation
Bhashani Memorial Award 2012
The Bhashani Memorial Award 2012 was presented by Shadhinata Sangsad, a prestigious national organization in Bangladesh that recognizes exceptional achievements in investigative journalism. The award is one of the highest honors in the country, with only two journalists being selected each year. The winners are chosen from thousands of submissions, and the final decision is made by the President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The award acknowledges the outstanding contributions of journalists who demonstrate dedication to uncovering truth and promoting transparency in society.
The Fred Hollows Foundation Journalist Fellowship Award- 2012
The Fred Hollows Foundation Journalist Fellowship Award, presented by the Child Sight Foundation, Australia, is a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional journalism on child rights. Established to celebrate outstanding contributions to raising awareness about child rights, the award sees hundreds of thousands of journalists from across the globe submit their reports. Every year, only ten journalists are selected for this esteemed recognition. In 2012, I was honored to be the recipient of this award, making me the first and only journalist from Bangladesh to ever receive this recognition. This achievement highlights my commitment to advocating for children's rights through impactful journalism.
Excellence in Television Reporting on “Violence Against Women & Girls” Award 2018
The Excellence in Television Reporting on "Violence Against Women & Girls" Award 2018, supported by the South Asia Women's Fund (SAWF), recognizes outstanding journalism that highlights the critical issue of violence against women and girls. Only three journalists are selected each year to receive this prestigious award for their exceptional contributions in raising awareness and advocating for change. In 2018, I was honored to be one of the recipients, a recognition that underscores my commitment to shedding light on this pervasive issue through impactful, in-depth reporting. This award not only acknowledges my journalistic work but also amplifies the importance of addressing gender-based violence in society.
MEENA Media Award 2018
The "MEENA Media Award 2018" was presented by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to recognize outstanding journalism focused on children's issues in Asia. Each year, UNICEF honors 10 journalists from across the region who have made significant contributions through their reporting on topics that impact children's lives, including education, health, protection, and rights. The award aims to highlight the critical role of media in raising awareness about children's challenges and promoting positive change for young people in Asia.
Young Journalist Media Award 2017, Deutsche Welle, Germany
The "MEENA Media Award 2018" was presented by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to recognize outstanding journalism focused on children's issues in Asia. Each year, UNICEF honors 10 journalists from across the region who have made significant contributions through their reporting on topics that impact children's lives, including education, health, protection, and rights. The award aims to highlight the critical role of media in raising awareness about children's challenges and promoting positive change for young people in Asia.
Young Journalist Award 2018, by BRAC
The Young Journalist Award 2018 recognized five exceptional journalists for their outstanding contributions to South Asian journalism, particularly focusing on the migration crisis. Presented by BRAC, the world’s largest nonprofit organization, the award honored young journalists who submitted reports addressing the complex and pressing issue of migration in the region. A distinguished panel of renowned global journalists reviewed the submissions and selected the five winners. Each year, this prestigious award celebrates the efforts of journalists who highlight critical social issues, fostering awareness and inspiring change through their impactful reporting
MEMBERSHIP
Chairperson of Bangladesh Chapter of Voice of Media- VOM
Becoming a member of the Voice of Media (VOM) is no easy feat. As the largest journalists’ organization in the world, with 170,000 members across 41 countries, VOM maintains high standards for membership. Aspiring journalists must meet rigorous professional criteria, including demonstrating significant experience, credibility, and a commitment to ethical journalism. The selection process is competitive, ensuring that only those who uphold the integrity and values of the media industry are accepted. It is this stringent process that makes being part of VOM not just a membership, but a recognition of one's expertise and dedication to the field of journalism.
Member, International Federation of Journalists; Belgium
Becoming a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is a significant achievement that requires meeting rigorous criteria. As the world’s largest organization of journalists, representing over 600,000 media professionals from 187 trade unions and associations across more than 140 countries, the IFJ demands a strong commitment to the values of press freedom, ethical journalism, and the protection of journalists’ rights. Membership is typically reserved for established trade unions or associations that demonstrate a collective commitment to these principles, making it a challenging and prestigious process for individual journalists or smaller organizations to join
Executive Member, National Press Club of Bangladesh
Becoming a member of the National Press Club of Bangladesh, the mother organization of all journalists' groups in the country, is an extremely selective process. With only 500 members nationwide, the club upholds strict membership criteria, ensuring that only the most dedicated and accomplished journalists are inducted. The organization serves as a central hub for media professionals, representing the interests and rights of journalists across Bangladesh. Gaining membership is a significant achievement, as it reflects a journalist's commitment to the profession, their ethical standards, and their contribution to the field of journalism in the country.
Member, International Lifetime Member, Dhaka Reporter’s Unity
Becoming a Lifetime Member of the Dhaka Reporter’s Unity, a prestigious national organization for journalists, is a significant achievement that requires dedication, hard work, and a strong commitment to the profession. The process is highly selective, ensuring that only those who have demonstrated exceptional journalistic skills, ethical standards, and a track record of impactful reporting are considered. Aspiring members must navigate a rigorous vetting process, which evaluates their work, integrity, and contribution to the field. As a result, gaining membership is not only a mark of professional recognition but also a testament to a journalist's enduring commitment to truth and accountability in the media.
Lifetime Member, Broadcast Journalist Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
This prestigious membership reflects my commitment to the field of journalism and my dedication to the professional growth of the media industry. Being part of this esteemed organization offers me opportunities to engage with fellow journalists, exchange knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of broadcast journalism in the region. It is a significant honor that underscores my long-standing passion for delivering impactful stories and promoting the integrity of journalism.
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