SOUMER DAGHASTANI
London,United Kingdom
Summary
Seasoned news producer and journalist with 15 years of international newsroom experience. Specialises in live television output, digital production, and video storytelling. Demonstrates strong editorial judgement and collaborative skills to deliver engaging journalism under tight deadlines across multiple platforms.
Overview
1
1
Language
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Sub-Editor / Producer
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (AP)
London
09.2022 - 10.2026
- Produced, scripted, edited and published breaking-news video and digital content for global audiences under tight deadlines.
- Reviewed and approved digital video packages, refining content presentation and ensuring accuracy, clarity and editorial compliance
- Coordinated with reporters, producers, and international editorial teams to shape visual treatments, ensuring timely coverage of major stories.
- Facilitated prioritisation of coverage and story development, enhancing responsiveness to breaking news alongside Output Editors.
- Verified user-generated and third-party footage, assessing authenticity, usage restrictions, rights and suitability for publication.
- Provided training and support to producers and sub-editors in scripting, editing, and production workflows, reinforcing adherence to editorial standards.
Media Relations Officer
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
London
02.2022 - 09.2022
- Managed journalist enquiries and breaking health stories, advising on communications and coordinating timely responses with policy and political advisers to maintain media relations.
- Wrote press releases, media statements and briefings on high-profile public health issues, ensuring complex policy was communicated clearly to enhance public understanding.
- Led daily press office planning meetings and prepared morning and evening briefings, streamlining media responses under tight deadlines to ensure consistent messaging.
Broadcast Journalist
BBC WORLD NEWS TV
London
09.2013 - 11.2021
- Produced live and planned coverage of major international news events for flagship BBC live programmes, delivering stories from planning through to transmission.
- Led production for Newsday at the BBC Singapore Bureau, coordinating regional and international coverage.
- Worked regularly in the TV gallery, coordinating with editors and presenters to manage live output and respond to breaking news.
- Produced news packages and sequences, selecting footage, editing video, and commissioning graphics to create clear, engaging visual journalism that informs and captivates viewers.
- Planned programmes and special coverage, developing story ideas, writing presenter scripts, and sourcing guests to enhance audience engagement.
- Pitched story ideas and creative treatments for coverage across radio, television, and digital platforms, contributing to diverse and compelling news narratives.
Broadcast Assistant
BBC WORLD SERVICE ARABIC
London
09.2012 - 09.2013
- Supported live radio programmes and breaking-news coverage, collaborating with producers and correspondents to deliver timely updates across the region.
- Produced impactful news and current-affairs content for Arabic-speaking audiences across the Middle East and North Africa.
- Researched, developed and edited engaging stories on Middle Eastern politics, regional affairs and international news.
Media Researcher
BBC MONITORING
Reading
09.2011 - 09.2012
- Analysed international media coverage, delivering comprehensive reports and insights to enhance editorial content.
- Researched and verified international news and current affairs to produce precise editorial and reference material for informed decision-making.
- Maintained research databases with rigorous fact-checking, ensuring high-quality information for editorial teams.
Education
MA - Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship
Goldsmiths, University of London
London, ENG01-2012
BA - Theatre Studies
The Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts
Damascus, Syria01-2009
Skills
- Breaking News
- News Verification
- Editorial Judgement
- Story pitching
- Guest and Interview Segments
- TV News Production
- Live Programme Output
- Gallery management
- Running Orders
- Digital Video Production
- Video Editing
- Graphics and Visual Storytelling
- Multiplatform Journalism
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Digital Publishing Systems
- Presenter Scripting
LinkedIn Profile
http://www.linkedin.com/in/soumer-daghastani
LANGUAGES
English | Arabic | French
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- AI News Standards Training — The Associated Press, 2026
- Digital Video Production Training — The Associated Press, 2024
- Hostile Environment and First Aid Training (HEFAT) — BBC, 2019
Timeline
Sub-Editor / Producer
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (AP)
09.2022 - 10.2026
Media Relations Officer
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
02.2022 - 09.2022
Broadcast Journalist
BBC WORLD NEWS TV
09.2013 - 11.2021
Broadcast Assistant
BBC WORLD SERVICE ARABIC
09.2012 - 09.2013
Media Researcher
BBC MONITORING
09.2011 - 09.2012
MA - Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship
Goldsmiths, University of London
BA - Theatre Studies
The Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts