Happy New Year! Commencing a new year is an exhilarating
experience for Humphrey fellows. However, with the new year
comes the anticipation of Professional Affiliation (PA), a
mid-career work experience duty for Humphrey fellows. Anum
Hanif, a 2021-2022 Humphrey alumna, successfully completed
her PA at the LA Times.
As a journalist with experience
in both newspaper and broadcasting, as well as a background
in entrepreneurship and digital journalism, she has expanded
her professional horizons to include teaching at a public
university in Pakistan. Reflecting on her experience, she
shares, “It was truly gratifying to witness the students
gain a deeper understanding of the current opportunities and
challenges within the field of news media.”
Hanif
emphasizes that the knowledge, experiences, and insights
gained from her time at the Cronkite School and her PA at
the LA Times have been invaluable in both her journalism
practice and teaching at the university.
Q. Recently, you interviewed caretaker PM Kakar. How was
it?
“I work as a producer in a prime-time current affairs
program. On a Wednesday evening, we had a recording session
when we were informed that the interview schedule with the
prime minister had been finalized for the very next day.
Thanks to my brilliant team, we managed to complete our
ongoing recording on Wednesday and meet a two-hour deadline
to submit a document to the Prime Minister’s Office. There
were additional challenges, such as traveling to Islamabad
from Lahore due to foggy weather. Everything went well, and
our senior anchorperson didn’t hesitate to ask tough
questions, making the interview a comprehensive exploration
of the current situation in the country and the caretaker
PM’s perspective.”
Q. Let’s talk about January 2022, when you started your
second Humphrey semester. How did you manage your study
and research?
“I spent my time selecting elective courses and preparing
for the Spring semester. I chose courses related to
broadcast and digital journalism, gaining insights into the
entrepreneurial side of journalism and different operational
models. I decided not to travel outside of Phoenix during
the winter break, enjoying the beautiful weather that
Phoenix offers during this season.”
Q. What were your elective courses?
“During my Humphrey year, I chose two elective courses in
broadcast journalism and entrepreneurial journalism, taught
by Professors Susan Lisovicz and Mi-Ai Parrish. Both are top
experts in their fields, and I found the discussion chats
assigned by Professor Parrish to be truly enjoyable,
engaging students in research-based discussions on a wide
range of topics.”
Q. Tell me about your PA experience at the LA Times.
“When I went to the LA Times office in Los Angeles, I was
the only in-person journalist due to COVID-19 protocols. I
interacted with journalist colleagues virtually while
working for the culture news team. My journalism project
included history and detailed interviews, focusing on a
food-related story, a unique experience for me.
Additionally, I connected with journalists from South Asia,
meeting two Indian journalists who were fellows of another
journalism program, allowing us to share our fellowship
experiences.”
Q. However, living outside Arizona for PA is a challenge
for fellows.
“Yes, it is. The biggest challenge was the 12-month lease
agreement, which posed difficulties for fellows needing
accommodations for shorter durations. Airbnb is an option,
but it is expensive. Professor John Misner led and advised
me in addressing my concerns during meetings. Securing my PA
position at LA Times officially, I contacted a friend of a
friend in LA, who helped me find a place where I could pay
for a month, which was a solution that worked out for me.
However, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a reliable
connection in LA.”
Q. You visited Nepal and had a reunion with a Humphrey
alumna.
“Last year, I participated in a 10-day fellowship in Nepal,
where journalists from Pakistan and India worked on stories
of mutual interest. During this fellowship, I had the
pleasure of meeting Shradha Shrestha, a Humphrey alumna whom
I had previously encountered at the Global Leadership Forum
in Washington D.C. This highlights the beauty of the
Humphrey fellowship program, connecting experts from all
corners of the world. I also shared my byline with three
journalists, one from Pakistan and two from India, for a
story supported by the East-West Center, reflecting the
inspiring stories of women in both countries. The article
was published in leading publications in both Pakistan and
India.”
