Experience

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  Malayala manorama co. ltd

  Sept 2003 - Mar 2011

  District bureau chief / staff reporter/ sub editor

  I embarked on my communication career at Malayala Manorama, one of India's leading dailies with a readership of 8.47 million. Over a span of seven years and six months, I fulfilled roles as a Sub Editor, Staff Reporter, and ultimately, as the District Bureau Chief. Notably, I was accredited as a journalist by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Kerala, further solidifying my professional credentials.As a staff reporter, my primary obligation was to uphold the newspaper's credibility and reputation by adhering to journalistic standards and ethics through my reports. This involved keeping a keen eye on current socio-political developments, cultivating authentic sources, and submitting reports within strict time and space constraints. I also focused on presenting stories differently and creatively while adhering to ethical principles, avoiding sensationalism, and promoting social commitment.Transitioning to the role of Sub Editor, I was involved in copy editing, proofreading, fact-checking, and collaborating with reporters, photographers, and senior editors to refine news conten. I also contributed to headline writing, photo selection, layout design, enhancing the visual appeal and readability of the newspaper. Meticulous research and a deep understanding of current events and socio-political issues were imperative in this role.My interest in graphics and visuals led to my involvement in designing special layout pages and coordinating the production of infographics and campaign materials with the in-house graphic design team.As the District Bureau Chief in Idukki, Kerala's second-largest district, I led a team of 11 reporters and a photographer, overseeing news coverage and operations within the district. My duties included identifying stories of geo-political interest, editing stringer inputs, reporting major events, and planning news features. Show less

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  All india radio

  Feb 2014 - Mar 2016

  News reader cum translator/news editor

  As a Casual News Editor in the regional news unit, I was responsible for the production of news bulletins. This involved selecting news from diverse sources such as reporters, news agencies, and press releases, based on their news value and relevance to broadcasting. I coordinated the team, including reporters, technicians, typists, and news readers, ensuring smooth teamwork and timely delivery.A significant challenge as a news editor was distilling the essence of news and presenting it clearly, recognizing the constraints of a medium without visuals. Overcoming this barrier by simplifying and making the news engaging was paramount. This also involved the art of editing reports and fostering creativity in news presentation to sustain audience interest and enhance advertisement revenue. Furthermore, I facilitated voice-overs, sought expert opinions, and collaborated on producing radio features with the team under my leadership.Fact-checking, cross-checking, and staying abreast of local to international socio-economic and political developments were also integral responsibilities. My role as a Casual News Editor prepared me well for my subsequent role at the News Service Division of All India Radio's national headquarters in New Delhi. My primary responsibility was translating news without compromising accuracy or essence. This necessitated extensive research and up-to-date knowledge of current happenings, including socio-political events.In addition to translation, I delivered news bulletins on-air with clarity, accuracy, and appropriate tone, requiring strong verbal and oral communication skills. Prioritizing news items and determining the reading order were also part of my duties. Adhering to deadlines and maintaining composure during sudden news events were crucial aspects of the role.Furthermore, preparing and submitting feedback reports to supervisors were key responsibilities for both the News Editor and News Reader cum Translator. Show less

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  Unicef india

  Apr 2016 - Feb 2024

  Communication advocacy and partnership state consultant

  A pivotal aspect of this role was the intricate task of disseminating the right message to the right audience, irrespective of the varying nature and mode of communication, in strict adherence to United Nations’ standards.I have demonstrated a talent for cultivating and nurturing relationships with key external stakeholders, including government agencies, ministers, MPs, legislators, corporations, NGOs, the media, social media influencers, and academia. I collaborated closely with the Kerala Legislative Assembly for five years to plan and implement engagement programs for children. For example, I spearheaded the design and launch of a state-level climate conclave for children and youth in 2022 and 2023, the first of its kind in Kerala. I played a significant role in the drafting of the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report following the devastating Kerala floods in 2018, marking a milestone as the first such report compiled by the United Nations in India. My skill set encompasses designing materials in print, video, audio, and social media formats. My digital story showcased a radio program producer from a tribal community who educated tribal communities in their native language about COVID vaccination through her radio programs, earning recognition from the Office of the Prime Minister of India.I have a proven track record of designing and curating specific communication strategies and campaigns. At the request of Suchithwa Mission, a division of the Department of Local Self Government, I developed a communication strategy for effective waste disposal after extensive consultations with stakeholders. I assisted the Kerala government in preparing and implementing communication strategies to educate the public on the importance of vaccination and counter misinformation during the Measles and Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign in 2017.I consistently empower myself by acquiring new tools and techniques to enhance communication and story telling. Show less