Exclusive Interview
Prof. S.S. Dogra in Conversation with Dr. Waiel S.H. Awwad
Newly Elected President, FCC South Asia
In this special edition, Prof. S.S. Dogra speaks with Dr. Waiel S.H. Awwad, the newly elected President of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCC) — a veteran journalist with over four decades of global reporting experience. Based in South Asia since 1979, Dr. Awwad has fearlessly covered major conflicts in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kashmir.
A Delhi University graduate with further studies in journalism, law, and human rights across Delhi, London, and Dubai, he has led Arabic media giants like Al Arabiya and MBC. Fluent in Arabic, English, Hindi, and Persian, Dr. Awwad continues to be a vital bridge between the Arab world and South Asia.
Q. What does this role as President of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Ans. My connection with the club goes for more than three decades.This is my third time as the president of the club.It is both an honor and a responsibility. Personally, it reflects the trust of my peers; professionally, it offers a platform to uphold press freedom, strengthen international media collaboration, and represent the voice of foreign journalists in the region.
Q. What are the key priorities you’ve outlined for your term? How do you plan to make FCC South Asia more dynamic and relevant to its diverse membership?
Ans. We have a team of governing committee members willing to work and deliver for the betterment of the club. Our key priorities include:
1. Reviving international engagement by hosting high-level dialogues and reconnecting with global press clubs.
2. Enhancing member services through more events, professional development sessions, and cross-border media collaborations.
3. Championing press freedom by advocating for journalists’ rights and safety across the region.
4. Modernizing communication with a stronger digital presence and more inclusive platforms for diverse media voices.
My goal is to make FCC South Asia a more vibrant, influential, and inclusive space, reflective of the dynamic journalism landscape we operate in.
Q. How do you envision strengthening collaboration between international correspondents and South Asian media professionals?
Ans. I envision strengthening collaboration through dialogue, joint initiatives, and shared platforms. This includes organizing cross-border reporting workshops, panel discussions on regional issues, and mentorship programs that connect international correspondents with South Asian journalists. By fostering mutual respect, knowledge exchange, and professional solidarity, we can build a more connected and impactful media community across the region.
Q. Are there any new initiatives you’re planning, such as journalist safety programs, training workshops, or global media partnerships?
Ans. We have a long wish list to implement, and this cannot be done alone but collectively, and that is why I am seeking the help of all members and requesting them to come forward and contribute, suggest, and take the initiative to boost the club’s image.
We are planning to:
1. Launch journalist safety and digital security workshops, in partnership with international media rights organizations.
2. Organize training sessions on emerging tools like AI in journalism, data reporting, and cross-border investigations.
3. Establish media exchange partnerships with global press clubs to promote dialogue and reporting collaboration.
4. Create a mentorship network to support young and local journalists across South Asia.
These efforts aim to empower our members, expand our global footprint, and uphold the values of responsible, independent journalism.
Q. With the increasing challenges to press freedom in parts of South Asia, what role do you see the FCC playing in advocating for journalistic independence?
Ans. The FCC has a crucial role to play as a neutral, respected platform that can amplify concerns about press freedom without partisanship. We are members of the International Association of Press Clubs stationed in Warsaw-Poland. We host annually a Freedom of Speech Award and awarded it to the deserving candidate. We aim to:
· Stand in solidarity with journalists facing intimidation or censorship.
· Host dialogues on media rights and democratic accountability.
· Collaborate with regional and global press bodies to issue joint statements when needed.
· Support journalists with resources, networks, and visibility when their work is under threat.
Our role is not political, but principled. We advocate for journalism that is independent, ethical, and essential to informed societies.
Q. How will you ensure the safety, access, and dignity of journalists reporting from politically or socially sensitive areas?
Ans. That is not our job /mandate in the club, but the responsibility of the media house the journalist is working for to ensure the safety, access, and dignity of journalists. We support full access to sensitive areas without harassment or obstruction. We encourage safety training and digital security workshops in collaboration with global media protection organizations. We can create a support mechanism within the FCC for reporters facing threats, offering legal guidance, visibility, and international backing. To achieve this, we need to build alliances with local press bodies to ensure on-ground solidarity and information-sharing in crises.
Our commitment is to stand by journalists—so they can report freely, safely, and with dignity.
Q. Will the FCC under your leadership increase its focus on underreported regions such as Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, or conflict zones in South Asia?
Ans. Absolutely. One of my key goals is to expand FCC South Asia’s engagement beyond the usual headlines. As you know, most of the foreign correspondents based in India cover the SAARC region and our engagement with colleagues in these countries will help us. This also means giving greater visibility to underreported regions like Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, as well as amplifying voices from conflict-affected and remote areas. We will try to connect with our counterparts and, if possible, plan hosting focused briefings and dialogues with journalists and experts from these countries. The region is diverse, and so must be our lens. Every story deserves a platform.
Q. How can the FCC act as a bridge between journalists and civil society voices across the region?
Ans. The FCC can serve as a vital bridge by creating inclusive spaces for dialogue between journalists and civil society voices. We can:
· Host panel discussions and roundtables that bring together reporters, activists, academics, and community leaders.
· Facilitate off-the-record briefings to deepen journalists’ understanding of grassroots issues and movements.
· Support cross-sector collaborations on topics like human rights, climate change, and governance.
· Use our platform to amplify underrepresented voices from across South Asia, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard in the media narrative.
By fostering trust and exchange, the FCC can strengthen the connection between storytelling and social impact.
Q. In an age of digital-first journalism, what role can the FCC play in supporting freelancers, digital content creators, and emerging storytellers?
Ans. In today’s digital-first era, the FCC must evolve as a hub for all forms of journalism, not just traditional media. It needs a proper plan and turning the club into an institution. For this, we need to restructure the club and get the consent and support of all members. It is a full-time job.However,r not to difficult to implement if given the mandate.
We can support freelancers, digital creators, and emerging storytellers by:
1. Expanding membership categories to be more inclusive of non-traditional journalists and content creators.
2. Offering skill-building workshops on digital tools, monetization, platform algorithms, and audience engagement.
3. Creating co-working and collaboration spaces where independent journalists can network and access resources.
4. Establishing fellowships, grants, and showcases to support impactful storytelling across formats—video, podcasts, investigative blogs, and more.
The FCC must become a platform that empowers innovation, protects independence, and amplifies credible voices in the evolving media landscape.
Q. How do you view the impact of new technologies like AI and citizen journalism on the traditional media ecosystem in South Asia?
Ans. New technologies like AI and the rise of citizen journalism are fundamentally reshaping the media ecosystem in South Asia—and globally. It would empower journalism and not weaken it.
AI offers powerful tools for automation, fact-checking, translation, and content distribution, but it also raises concerns around accuracy, bias, and editorial control. It can support journalists, but it cannot replace editorial judgment, ethics, or human storytelling.
Meanwhile, citizen journalism has democratized information, especially in rural or conflict-affected areas where mainstream media may lack presence. However, it also requires verification and accountability frameworks to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Together, these trends challenge traditional media to adapt quickly, embrace innovation, and reassert its relevance through credibility, depth, and professional standards. The future belongs to a hybrid model—where technology empowers, not replaces, responsible journalism.
Q. The FCC has long served as a cultural and intellectual hub. Are there plans to expand its role in hosting events on arts, diplomacy, literature, or global affairs?
Ans. Absolutely. We have already been doing many events and are planning to diversify it. One of our key priorities is to revitalize the FCC as a vibrant cultural and intellectual forum.
We are planning to expand our programming to include:
· Literary evenings with authors and journalists discussing new books and ideas
· Film screenings and cultural dialogues exploring regional and global narratives
· Diplomatic briefings and roundtables with ambassadors and thought leaders
· Talks on global affairs, covering everything from geopolitics to climate and technology
· Art and photography exhibitions showcasing journalistic and artistic expressions from across South Asia
We aim to make the FCC not just a press hub, but a living space for dialogue, creativity, and global exchange.
Q. How can the Club promote cross-cultural dialogue and understanding between South Asia and international media communities?
Ans. We are hosting this year the International Association of Press Clubs with 43 members from all over the world, including the Asia Pacific Press Clubs. We will take the presidency of the Association for two years, from Pthe ress Club of London.
The FCC can promote cross-cultural dialogue and understanding by serving as a neutral and dynamic platform where diverse perspectives meet. Key steps include:
1. Hosting joint panels and media forums with international press clubs and embassies to explore regional narratives from global lenses.
2. Facilitating journalist exchanges and fellowships between South Asia and other regions to encourage immersive reporting and cultural awareness.
3. Showcasing regional art, literature, and documentaries that reflect the cultural richness and complexity of South Asia to international audiences.
4. Creating spaces for off-the-record dialogues between local voices, foreign correspondents, and civil society to build trust and shared understanding.
5. Supporting multilingual journalism and translation efforts, making regional stories more accessible to global platforms.
In essence, the Club can act as a bridge of empathy and informed discourse, connecting local realities with international perspectives through honest, inclusive, and ethical journalism.
Q. What motivated you to accept this leadership role, and who have been your biggest influences or mentors in journalism?
Ans. What motivated me most is my attachment to the club and willingness to contribute to its vibrant connectivity and regain the glory of the past. I was persuaded by many colleagues to take the lead and utilize the opportunity to give back to a profession that has shaped my life. Journalism has taken me to conflict zones, allowed me to witness history firsthand, and given me the responsibility to tell stories that matter. Taking on this leadership role is a way to support fellow journalists, defend press freedom, and help shape the future of our community.
My greatest mentor, as a veteran war correspondent, has always been the truth, non-negotiable and unwavering. I’ve learned that courage often comes quietly, in moments of integrity rather than spectacle, and that journalism, at its core, is a public service. The resilience and ethical strength of those who walked this path before me continue to guide my own.
Q. Can you share a defining moment or experience from your career in South Asia that shaped your vision of the media’s responsibility?
Ans. Certainly. Being a native of war war-inflicted region, many defining moments are there. One defining moment was during the Gulf War, although every war has its defining moments, like the Kargil conflict in 1999, the LTTE, and the Afghanistan War. Reporting from the front lines, I witnessed not only the brutality of war but also the immense responsibility that comes with telling the story accurately, ethically, and with empathy.
During the Iraq invasion by the USA-UK, I witnessed how easily narratives could be distorted and how a single misleading headline could endanger lives. That experience taught me that journalism is not just about reporting—it’s about defending truth in volatile times, resisting sensationalism, and giving voice to the silenced. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day in an era of misinformation and division.
Q. Lastly, what message would you like to share with aspiring journalists entering the field in today’s rapidly evolving and challenging media landscape?
Ans. To aspiring journalists:
Hold on to your purpose. Journalism is not just a profession—it’s a public trust. In today’s noisy, polarized, and fast-changing media landscape, your commitment to truth, accuracy, and fairness matters more than ever.
Embrace new tools and technology, yes—but never compromise on credibility, ethics, and humanity. Learn to listen deeply, question fearlessly, and write with clarity and conscience.
It won’t always be easy. But if you stay grounded in integrity, guided by curiosity, and driven by the desire to make a difference, your voice will matter—and your work will endure.
