Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Pashto Literature and Poetry
Languages
Timeline
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AJMAL AAND

Prague,10

Summary

Qualified [Desired Position] with solid background in managing editorial teams and overseeing content production. Proven track record in driving impactful news coverage and ensuring journalistic integrity. Demonstrated leadership and editorial judgment in fast-paced environments. Strategic communication professional prepared to lead editorial teams in producing high-quality news content. Background in managing editorial processes and developing compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Known for collaborative teamwork and delivering results under tight deadlines, adaptable to changing newsroom dynamics. Proficient in editorial leadership and content strategy.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior News Editor Pashto

Radio Azadi, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
07.2020 - Current
  • Coordinated with reporters and photographers to enrich news coverage with compelling visuals.
  • Enhanced news content quality by implementing rigorous editing and fact-checking processes.
  • Built relationships with industry experts, broadening the scope of available sources for exclusive interviews and insights.
  • Developed strategies to effectively cover breaking news events, resulting in comprehensive reporting.
  • Led the transition from Radio to digital-first publishing, adapting workflows for seamless integration of online platforms.
  • Championed continuing education opportunities within the editorial team, creating a culture of continuous improvement and skill development.
  • Mentored junior editors, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance.
  • Managed a diverse team of writers, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality articles and reports.
  • Collaborated with fellow editors to develop a consistent editorial voice across various platforms.
  • Reduced publication errors by introducing a multi-step proofreading process involving multiple team members.
  • Spearheaded investigative journalism projects that uncovered critical information impacting public discourse.
  • Implemented style guide updates to maintain consistency and accuracy across all published materials.
  • Increased social media presence by promoting top stories and encouraging audience interaction.
  • Improved reader engagement through the introduction of multimedia elements in news stories.
  • Boosted website traffic by curating engaging stories and optimizing headlines for search engines.
  • Interviewed sources and developed relationships with informants to obtain vital information for stories.
  • Conceptualized, pitched, assigned and monitored stories from origination to publication.
  • Planned for coverage of large events by assigning reporters and photographers.
  • Oversaw team of reporters and support staff when hosting call-in shows.

Multimedia Journalist / Broadcaster

Radio Azadi, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
06.2007 - 06.2020
  • Company Overview: A media organization that provides news and information in countries where a free press is banned by the government
  • During these 12 years in Prague, I worked for radio Azadi in different capacities; As a radio Moderator, Radio newscaster, reporter, and TV Newscaster
  • I also conducted interviews and hosted live talk shows
  • On various occasions, I have Edited news stories and report written by other colleagues
  • I was a web editor for more than two years
  • A media organization that provides news and information in countries where a free press is banned by the government
  • Developed strong professional relationships with sources, fostering trust and credibility within the community.
  • Covered breaking news events quickly and accurately under challenging conditions while adhering to tight deadlines.
  • Contributed to award-winning projects through exceptional teamwork and collaboration among journalists from different backgrounds.
  • Streamlined news production processes by effectively managing deadlines and prioritizing assignments.
  • Edited photos and created graphics for publication.
  • Optimized content for search engines, improving visibility and driving more traffic to online articles.
  • Produced engaging videos that provided viewers with concise summaries or captivating interviews related to the topic at hand.
  • Monitored website and social media traffic.
  • Incorporated data visualization tools to create informative graphics that helped readers better understand complex issues.

News Editor- Kabul Bureau

Radio Azadi, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
04.2003 - 05.2007
  • Company Overview: A media organization that provides news and information in countries where a free press is banned by the government
  • During this period, my main responsibility was to work closely with RFE/RL reporters in Kabul and other provinces to assign them daily tasks, also to manage and edit our daily local news, reports, interviews and round tables from Kabul
  • I had an active role in planning and creating different radio formats for our news and educational programs
  • Preparing daily, weekly, and monthly schedules and assignments for Radio Azadi colleagues in Kabul was also part of my job
  • I also conducted interviews, hosted talk shows, and live shows from Kabul
  • A media organization that provides news and information in countries where a free press is banned by the government
  • Ensured adherence to ethical journalism standards while maintaining the integrity of published content.
  • Boosted online engagement by incorporating multimedia elements into news stories.
  • Coordinated coverage of breaking news events, ensuring comprehensive reporting from multiple angles.
  • Streamlined editorial workflow by implementing efficient processes and tools for the team.
  • Sought out stories by pursuing other news organizations information periodically and either assigned or wrote stories according to strict timelines.
  • Interviewed sources and developed relationships with informants to obtain vital information for stories.
  • Monitored breaking news for information on incidents, events, and topics of interest to quickly assign coverage to staff.
  • Planned for coverage of large events by assigning reporters and photographers.

Journalist/News Reporter

Radio Azadi, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
09.2002 - 04.2003
  • Company Overview: A media organization that provides news and information in countries where a free press is banned by the government
  • Reporting from Kabul on different ongoing political, social, and other issues was my main responsibility
  • I was attending press conferences, conducting interviews, and traveling to different provinces to prepare reports
  • Covered high-profile events such as political elections and natural disasters, providing timely updates to readers.
  • Researched and gathered information to develop accurate and credible stories.
  • Developed story ideas and conducted interviews with industry experts and celebrities.
  • Wrote, edited and produced stories for Internet and digital channels.
  • Developed strong relationships with sources, leading to exclusive interviews and scoops.
  • Performed research and checked facts to maintain high standard of journalistic integrity.
  • Adapted writing style for diverse audiences across print, online, and multimedia platforms.
  • Collaborated with editors and other journalists to create compelling content.
  • Evaluated and followed up on news leads and news tips to develop story ideas.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with sources and other contacts to support leads and story development.
  • Provided on-air commentary for local radio and television stations.

Script Editor, Pashto / Writer/Producer

BBC-Afghan Education Projects
03.2000 - 08.2002
  • Company Overview: A project by the BBC aimed at providing educational content to Afghan audiences
  • During my work with BBC/AEP, some of my responsibilities was: writing educational dramas for youth programs
  • Writing educational shows for Afghan refugees
  • Producing feature educational programs
  • Collecting materials for radio programs from across Afghanistan and Pakistan
  • Editing Scripts and coordinating programs for broadcasting
  • Directing Radio Drama Actors


Education

Bachelor of Pashto Literature - Pashto Literature

NANGARHAR UNIVERSITY
Nangarhar, Afghanistan
06.1999

Skills

  • Radio experience
  • Reporting
  • Editing
  • Writing
  • Pashto writing
  • Web development
  • Web designing
  • Audio editing
  • Video editing
  • Social media management

Newsroom collaboration

Content Strategy Development

HTML and CSS understanding

Visual storytelling

Deadline Management

Video Editing

Social media proficiency

Audience Engagement

Multimedia storytelling

Podcast Production

Strong news judgment

Superior editing abilities

Fact-checking mastery

Community Relations

Investigative writing

Investigative reporting

In-depth understanding of Afghanistan's social, cultural, ethnic, and geographic dynamics

Proficiency in Afghanistan's various languages and dialects

Expertise in fast and accurate translation between Pashto, Dari, and English

Strong knowledge and expertise in Pashto literature and literary analysis

Deep understanding of Pashto folklore

Accomplishments

  • Introduced online streaming software to convert radio programs to live video shows, reaching thousands of viewers in Afghanistan through different social media platforms after the Taliban banned Radio Azadi’s FM broadcast.

Pashto Literature and Poetry

My passion and love for Pashto literature and poetry began during my school years. Later, I pursued Pashto literature professionally. Various publishing houses in Afghanistan have published five collections of my poetry, and they have been well-received by Pashto poetry enthusiasts. Different publishers have reprinted Some of these collections up to seven or eight times over the past twenty years.

I have also written research and analytical articles on Pashto grammar, dialects, contemporary Pashto poetry, and storytelling in various literary print and online publications. Additionally, I have contributed literary critiques of contemporary works. I have authored dozens of short stories and translated novels, stories, and important international works by renowned global authors into Pashto.

Languages

Pashto
Native language
Persian
Proficient
C2
Urdu
Intermediate
B1
English
Advanced
C1

Timeline

Senior News Editor Pashto

Radio Azadi, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
07.2020 - Current

Multimedia Journalist / Broadcaster

Radio Azadi, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
06.2007 - 06.2020

News Editor- Kabul Bureau

Radio Azadi, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
04.2003 - 05.2007

Journalist/News Reporter

Radio Azadi, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
09.2002 - 04.2003

Script Editor, Pashto / Writer/Producer

BBC-Afghan Education Projects
03.2000 - 08.2002

Bachelor of Pashto Literature - Pashto Literature

NANGARHAR UNIVERSITY
AJMAL AAND