It's English-language news. Unsurprisingly it's dominated by English-speaking media companies and journalists, and that has a huge impact on what we think of as the 'global' narrative.
I really enjoy your perspective. Part of my issue with what you would call “international” news is that I often struggle with foreign accents - even British ones at times - and sometimes even US ones, although I live in the US. I wonder if news producers are trying to find the most “generic” voice possible. It has to be tough on people whose voices aren’t generic enough.
You’re right. Local culture drives what’s presented and how it’s presented. Ukraine is often ignored here. However, you can’t get away from Israel’s invasion of Gaza, and, of course, trump. I want a different perspective from what US media is trying to promote to drive their ratings. Although I do use other sources, I tend to get my international news from Sky. I understand the presenters.
“Third world face, first world voice” is an interesting concept. I’ll be looking out for that. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment Lou. You've hit the nail on the head - that sometimes accents we're not used to can be harder to understand. I'm not sure that producers look for 'generic' voices, but I do know that CLARITY is essential. But then diversity is also a consideration so it's all about balancing those issues. In the UK I genuinely feel more people are used to hearing foreign accents in their daily lives now than they did 20 years ago. And great choice on getting your international news from Sky News! ;)
I usually don’t hear any foreign accents at all. To my ears, yours is closer to an American one than a British one, and is quite different from other Sky presenters. I find it refreshing.
What a great post from the inside. I’m an American, but have lived in Amsterdam for the past decade, and I still feel like I struggle to find a full spectrum of anglophone news from different perspectives in the world. Does Sky have an international news podcast?
I think they are but in a different way. Some regional accents seem to get more space than others, and 20 years ago they would often still be frowned upon. Now I think there is an acceptance that platforming all regions of the UK is key to representing the country.
I think foreign accents is different, because it's not seen as representing the UK eventhough there are 14.5 million foreign born people in the UK. So the issue of 'trust is tribal' comes up. And of course this is all about domestic news. My argument is that even on the international channels non-native English speakers are at a disadvantage.
Shout out to @euronews who did make a big effort to promote voices that matched stories and redefine what glocal meant. Agree how much value local knowledge adds.
For bilingual reporters I work with the truly excellent Johannes Pleschberger, Evangelos Sipsas and Li Jianhua. And I'd love to work with others across Europe if anyone wants to get in touch. Duncan Hooper
yes, euronews did try. But i always sensed an element of 'locals report on their patch'. That can be an asset if course, local knowledge etc, but when Euronews set up the main channel with presenters, i felt most of the presenters still were (or sounded like) native speakers. Not everyone, grant you, but most of the leading names. I still think 'native english' is seen as the neutral standard. It's not intentional or due to malice. I think most of it is a consequence of needing to be extremely fluent and articulate to present the news. But as I said, Euronews did at least try. And thank you for highlighting Johannes, Evangelos and Li.
This is so relatable. I was really into UK politics at uni and wanted to become a political correspondent but was basically shot down by my mentor because of my accent (I’m Polish by birth). Eventually I ended up working at CNN International and Al Jazeera English but knew I would be unlikely to ever end up in front of the camera, especially at the former (I did come close at the latter, but not quite). Very frustrating. Glad to read a similar experience distilled such a well written newsletter, thank you.
Hi Artur. As I read your message all I could think is that actually Poles are the second-biggest 'foreign' national group in the UK after Indians, but how that's not seen as part of diversity and inclusion. I've written about the subject in other posts too which you can find in the archive and will continue to do so. I don't think you should give up on your desire to write/report on politics. Things are changing and there are opportunities, maybe beyond the more 'traditional' news outlets. Diverse voices are necessary! Good luck x
I really enjoy your perspective. Part of my issue with what you would call “international” news is that I often struggle with foreign accents - even British ones at times - and sometimes even US ones, although I live in the US. I wonder if news producers are trying to find the most “generic” voice possible. It has to be tough on people whose voices aren’t generic enough.
You’re right. Local culture drives what’s presented and how it’s presented. Ukraine is often ignored here. However, you can’t get away from Israel’s invasion of Gaza, and, of course, trump. I want a different perspective from what US media is trying to promote to drive their ratings. Although I do use other sources, I tend to get my international news from Sky. I understand the presenters.
“Third world face, first world voice” is an interesting concept. I’ll be looking out for that. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment Lou. You've hit the nail on the head - that sometimes accents we're not used to can be harder to understand. I'm not sure that producers look for 'generic' voices, but I do know that CLARITY is essential. But then diversity is also a consideration so it's all about balancing those issues. In the UK I genuinely feel more people are used to hearing foreign accents in their daily lives now than they did 20 years ago. And great choice on getting your international news from Sky News! ;)
I usually don’t hear any foreign accents at all. To my ears, yours is closer to an American one than a British one, and is quite different from other Sky presenters. I find it refreshing.
I think of it as ‘international’ English. Learnt in international schools in non English speaking countries.
What a great post from the inside. I’m an American, but have lived in Amsterdam for the past decade, and I still feel like I struggle to find a full spectrum of anglophone news from different perspectives in the world. Does Sky have an international news podcast?
Are some 'regional' British accents, also at a disadvantage as much as 'foreign' accents?
I think they are but in a different way. Some regional accents seem to get more space than others, and 20 years ago they would often still be frowned upon. Now I think there is an acceptance that platforming all regions of the UK is key to representing the country.
I think foreign accents is different, because it's not seen as representing the UK eventhough there are 14.5 million foreign born people in the UK. So the issue of 'trust is tribal' comes up. And of course this is all about domestic news. My argument is that even on the international channels non-native English speakers are at a disadvantage.
Shout out to @euronews who did make a big effort to promote voices that matched stories and redefine what glocal meant. Agree how much value local knowledge adds.
For bilingual reporters I work with the truly excellent Johannes Pleschberger, Evangelos Sipsas and Li Jianhua. And I'd love to work with others across Europe if anyone wants to get in touch. Duncan Hooper
yes, euronews did try. But i always sensed an element of 'locals report on their patch'. That can be an asset if course, local knowledge etc, but when Euronews set up the main channel with presenters, i felt most of the presenters still were (or sounded like) native speakers. Not everyone, grant you, but most of the leading names. I still think 'native english' is seen as the neutral standard. It's not intentional or due to malice. I think most of it is a consequence of needing to be extremely fluent and articulate to present the news. But as I said, Euronews did at least try. And thank you for highlighting Johannes, Evangelos and Li.
This is so relatable. I was really into UK politics at uni and wanted to become a political correspondent but was basically shot down by my mentor because of my accent (I’m Polish by birth). Eventually I ended up working at CNN International and Al Jazeera English but knew I would be unlikely to ever end up in front of the camera, especially at the former (I did come close at the latter, but not quite). Very frustrating. Glad to read a similar experience distilled such a well written newsletter, thank you.
Hi Artur. As I read your message all I could think is that actually Poles are the second-biggest 'foreign' national group in the UK after Indians, but how that's not seen as part of diversity and inclusion. I've written about the subject in other posts too which you can find in the archive and will continue to do so. I don't think you should give up on your desire to write/report on politics. Things are changing and there are opportunities, maybe beyond the more 'traditional' news outlets. Diverse voices are necessary! Good luck x