Recently, Caroline Faraj, CNN Vice President and CNN Arabic Editor-in-Chief, was hosted at the YSU Faculty of Journalism. With over 30 years of experience, she is a renowned and award-winning journalist who joined CNN in 2001. In 2002, she launched CNN Arabic, guiding its coverage of significant regional events.
The meeting was initiated by Hovhannes Movsisyan, the Executive Director of Public Television. Attendees included YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, faculty members, and students from various years. At the suggestion of Dean Naghash Martirosyan, faculty lecturer Gayane Abrahamyan and third-year student Garik Khachatryan introduced the guest speaker, Caroline Faraj, who shared her success story with the audience.
Caroline Faraj began by sharing insights from her childhood, highlighting the familiar truth that everyone is shaped by their early experiences. She emphasized the significant influence her parents, particularly her grandparents, had on her life path and career choice.
Born in Amman, Jordan, Caroline Faraj noted that she was the first female graduate from her hometown to earn a bachelor's degree in journalism and communication, a master's degree in international journalism, and an honorary doctorate from City, University of London.
After sharing her success story, Caroline Faraj proposed that the meeting continue with a question-and-answer session.
The students' questions, posed in English, were varied and engaging. They addressed topics such as the challenges of modern journalism, the importance of professional education for journalists, essential qualities for the profession, the fight against misinformation, fact-checking tools, and the secrets behind CNN's enduring success as one of the world’s most sought-after media outlets for over 40 years. Caroline Faraj kindly listened to all the students and answered their inquiries, sharing insights from her wealth of experience in the industry.
The guest was impressed by the preparation of YSU Journalism Faculty students and their journalistic questions.
Emphasizing the significance of Caroline Faraj's visit, YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan spoke about the transformations that, have been and will continue to be implemented in the Journalism Faculty to meet contemporary demands. He also suggested that the top students be given the opportunity to undergo professional practice and training at CNN.
Caroline Faraj gladly accepted the offer and requested that her email address be shared with the students so they could stay in touch as needed.
At the end of the meeting, Caroline Faraj toured the faculty, accompanied by Dean Naghash Martirosyan. They got acquainted with the TV and radio studios, the newly acquired technical equipment, and the opportunities offered by the innovative media center.
