GHIDA FAKHRY is probably one of the best known Arab news anchors outside of the Middle East. A graduate of BU and SOAS, Fakhry worked as a correspondent for Asharq al Awsaat and Abu Dhabi TV in New York before being appointed as one of the lead anchors for Al Jazeera’s English news channel in Washington DC.

How does it feel to be one of the best known female anchors on a channel like Al Jazeera?

Being a television news anchor, I am presumably known but not necessarily well-known! I am first and foremost a journalist who happens to be a woman. A particular challenge for me in my current position is that I now work for a Middle Eastern network that has an international reach to English speakers across the world. The choice of words can be, at times, challenging due to the different interpretations each market will have as a result of their varying cultures, politics and history. Working for Al Jazeera in English is one of those rare opportunities one gets to bridge both cultures and to be part of a news organization that revolutionized the media landscape in the Arab world. It is now modernizing the way news gathering has worked for the past few years by redressing the flow of information and analysis from South to North and by breaking the monopoly a handful of western media outlets had on the flow of information.

We all have our bad days and yet, when you are on air, it’s probably best not to show it…

A natural yet certain amount of anxiety compels a high degree of concentration on the job at hand. The pressures, and therefore the responsibilities, vis-à-vis our audience is such that once the camera rolls, one is impelled to forget issues of one’s daily life – at least while on air.

Are you the typical kind of Lebanese who thinks in English, Arabic and French?

I suppose that when I worked for Arabic language media outlets I used to think more in Arabic, whereas at present, working in English, I tend to think in that language. But interestingly enough, I still count in French.

Your passions in life?

My husband!

In the world of media, who are the people you look up to?

If there is one person who inspires me, it’s Ted Turner as he transformed the television media by introducing continuous global news coverage. The appeal of the CNN concept is that it brings people from across the world together in one forum. It may well have been the first manifestation of what we call globalization today. I am also inspired by journalists whose work is a call of duty, a passion, and who do not sacrifice their journalistic integrity and who dare to challenge centers of power and authority.

A message to aspiring Middle Eastern female journalists?

Believe in yourself, take risks and don’t be deterred by setbacks. The media industry is very competitive and employers are not necessarily altruistic; they are business people. Impose yourself as a journalist and forget that you’re a woman. Be also aware that the profession requires some sacrifices but don’t let your professional aspirations undermine your personal and family life. Journalism can be very rewarding but also addictive, so it is important to stay disciplined to exercise this fulfilling profession without letting it take over your life. And don’t forget that, no matter how successful you are, what you produce is a public good: the stories you tell can change people’s lives and make a real difference and that’s where your focus should always be.

Ghida, what are the things you carry in your handbag on a normal day?

My current bag is a Mulberry handbag. In it I have some notebooks, my phone and quite a bit of makeup: Mac’s Duo Bronzer, Studio Tech Foundation and Whirl lip liner, Estee Lauder’s Magnascopic Mascara, and Kiehls Hand Cream.

Illustration by Gabriela Mot