Open to opportunities

Rana Afifi

@ranaafifi

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Multimedia journalist and production assistant experienced in broadcast and digital storytelling.

United Arab Emirates

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What I'm looking for

I seek multimedia journalism or broadcast production roles in fast-paced newsrooms that value cross-platform storytelling, field production leadership, and growth in investigative and digital content.

I am a multimedia journalist and production assistant with hands-on experience supporting major global networks including CNN and CBS News. I supported the U.S. TV Pool and White House Communications Agency during President Trump’s official visit to the UAE, assisting CBS News and other major U.S. networks on the ground.

At CNN, I contributed across the News and Features Desks, producing content for Connect the World with Becky Anderson, editing video, researching segments, and supporting high-level field production. I attended the CNN Academy course "Art of storytelling in the age of Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security," participated in masterclasses and a simulation week, and produced the COP16 Curtain Raiser segment.

At The National, I published over 30 stories and trained across SEO, multimedia, and analytics while contributing to product and platform initiatives. Additional roles in PR and events sharpened my communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, and I bring practical field production, logistics, and credentialing experience to newsroom and broadcast teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Local Production Assistant

CBS News

May 2025 - May 2025 (0 months)

Supported the U.S. TV Pool and White House Communications Agency during the presidential visit, coordinating logistics, credentialing, and technical setup to enable live broadcasts for CBS News and four other U.S. networks.

Credentialing Field Engineering Technical Setup

News and Features Intern

CNN

Sep 2024 - Feb 2025 (5 months)

Produced segments and built rundowns for Connect the World and feature desks, including the COP16 curtain-raiser, while editing video, researching guests, and supporting studio and field production across news and features.

INews Video Editing Rundown Production Research Field Producing Social Captioning Interview Preparation

CNN Academy Participant

CNN Academy

Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 (3 months)

Completed masterclasses and a simulation on storytelling, AI, and cybersecurity, and gained practical mobile journalism experience through workshops and a week-long production competition.

Storytelling AI & Cybersecurity Reporting Simulation

Graduate Trainee Journalist

The National

Jul 2023 - Mar 2024 (8 months)

Published over 30 stories across UAE and features desks, implemented SEO strategies, collaborated on product and analytics for the website, and produced multimedia content to increase audience engagement.

Reporting SEO Content Management Data Analytics Chartbeat Social Media Publishing Photo Editing

Innovation PR Leader

Abu Dhabi University

Jan 2023 - Jul 2023 (6 months)

Developed and executed PR and content campaigns, managed media relations and social channels, and analyzed campaign effectiveness to improve communications and stakeholder engagement.

PR Strategy Media Relations Content Marketing Social Media Management Communications Planning Stakeholder Management Event Coordination

Guest Ambassador

Expo 2020

Sep 2021 - Mar 2022 (6 months)

Led volunteer training and VIP visits, improved guest experience through engagement initiatives, and coordinated team-building and operational support across the pavilion.

VIP Team Leadership Public Engagement

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Abu Dhabi University

Mass Communication (Broadcast Journalism)

Grade: 3.89

Completed a Mass Communication program with a focus on broadcast journalism, graduating with a GPA of 3.89.

CNN Academy

Storytelling & AI/Cybersecurity

2024 -

Activities and societies: Workshops, masterclasses, Mobile Journalism practicals, and a simulation competition.

Attended the CNN Academy 'Art of storytelling in the age of Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security' program, participating in masterclasses and a week-long simulation.