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Rudaw Media Network, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq: Brwa Kyani, Digital Media Manager

Company: Rudaw Media Network
Company Description: Rudaw Media Network, under the stewardship of CEO Ako Mohammed, operates from Erbil, Iraq, disseminating content in several languages. Since 2013, it has been at the forefront of multimedia journalism, garnering international credibility through its comprehensive coverage of significant events such as the ISIS conflict and global protests, alongside strategic alliances with prominent agencies.
Nomination Category: Social Media Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Social Media Manager of the Year
2024 Stevie Winner Nomination Title: Brwa Kyani, Digital Media Manager
  1. Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated individual since 1 January 2022, OR a written essay of up to 625 words? (Choose one):

     

  2. If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.

     

  3. If you are providing a written submission, provide here an essay of up to 625 words describing the achievements of the nominated individual since 1 January 2022:

    Total 481 words used.

    On February 2023, Brwa Kyani has became the Digital Media Manager of Rudaw Media Network. Rudaw is a leading media outlet in the Middle East. Brwa Kyani's leadership has propelled the company to remarkable heights in the digital realm. Through strategic initiatives, he transformed Rudaw's social media presence, resulting in a surge of engagement from 70-80k to an impressive 500-600k average views on Instagram. During critical events like the Gaza conflict, Rudaw's timely coverage garnered an unprecedented 1.07 billion Facebook views in October 2023, followed by 1.02 billion views within three weeks. Despite operating with a small team, Brwa's vision enabled Rudaw to outshine competitors and expand its reach on emerging platforms like TikTok.

    Notably, during Ramadan 2024, Rudaw's programs amassed over 300 million views across platforms organically, showcasing Brwa's ability to capitalize on culturally significant moments. Brwa's contributions have earned Rudaw prestigious accolades, including the Stevie Gold Award for Media Company of the Year and the Webby People's Award, achieved through a transformative social media campaign. His strategic planning increased Rudaw's Webby Award votes from 13% to an impressive 61%.

    Brwa's commitment to innovation is evident in his introduction of AI technology to Rudaw, including AI Desk, Interactive AI Games, and AI Kurdish Reader, a first among Kurdish media outlets. Additionally, his leadership has fostered collaborations with renowned organizations like RTL Germany and Google News Initiative, providing valuable training opportunities for Rudaw staff in digital reporting and combating disinformation and misinformation. The initiatives Brwa introduced and the opportunities he provided to his employees show his vision for developing the department and making it highly professional. His vision is not only about broad reach and engagement but also about maintaining high quality on Rudaw's platforms.

    Furthermore, Brwa's dedication to gender balance and inclusion is evident in his efforts to increase the representation of women in his department from 20% to 38%, aiming for parity by the end of 2024. He actively participates in Rudaw & UNFPA Women Training Program, conducting sessions on digital media to empower Iraqi women with journalism fundamentals. Brwa Kyani's multifaceted leadership has not only elevated Rudaw's digital presence but also advanced inclusivity and innovation within the organization.

    Improving the working environment has always been one of Brwa’s main priorities. Through his professional and friendly approach, he has made a significant impact. As a result, the desire to work in the digital media department has greatly increased. Shortly Below are Brwa’s Achievements at Rudaw Media Network:

    - Optimized Instagram, boosting views to 500-600k.

    - Generated 1.07 billion Facebook views on Oct '23.

    - Expanded reach on TikTok.

    - Achieved 300 million views during Ramadan '24.

    - Won Stevie Gold & Webby People's Awards.

    - Introduced AI technology.

    - Increased women's representation to 38%.

    - Provided journalism training for Iraqi women.

    - Significantly improved the working environment, resulting in increased interest in the digital media department.

Attachments/Videos/Links:
Brwa Kyani, Digital Media Manager
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