TOM WILLIAMS
Washington DC
Summary
Dynamic global director with a proven track record at the Associated Press, leading digital transformation and expanding livestream offerings to over 3 million viewers. Expert in global newsgathering and team management, I excel in high-pressure environments, ensuring safety protocols while delivering impactful news coverage.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Global director Video
Associated Press
Washington DC
04.2020 - Current
- Oversaw AP’s global video operation from Washington DC, managing newsgathering for video worldwide, including user-generated content and photos.
- I led AP’s digital transformation, launching our new website in June 2023 which has seen huge growth in only a few months.
- Developed and expanded AP’s livestream offerings, including US election and death of the Pope, attracting over 3 million viewers.
- Executed comprehensive overhaul of US newsgathering operation, successfully recruiting new producers and video journalists nationwide.
- Planned and deployed major stories and addressed safety issues in hostile environments.
- I’ve planned and covered US elections, inaugurations, the BLM protests, mass shootings and hurricanes.
- Associated Press is a news agency.
Executive Producer Americas
Al Jazeera English
Washington DC
12.2016 - 03.2020
- In charge of Al Jazeera’s American operations, based in DC running a team of 18 correspondents across north and Latin America, working with teams across multiple platforms, planning and executing coverage in multiple regions across the Americas.
- In charge of all staffing, safety and finance.
- This was part of the senior mgmt. team, working with the head of output and newsgathering in Doha on strategy and performance.
Senior News Editor
Al Jazeera
Doha
01.2010 - 12.2016
- Managed 24hr news desk, producing high-quality, accurate news and preparing daily agenda.
- Liaised with field teams during breaking news, facilitating daily editorial meetings with newsroom and global crews.
- Ensured correspondents' safety by implementing safety protocols while in the field.
- Coordinated timely package delivery through effective scheduling and clear communication.
Senior Field Coordinator
Al Jazeera
Doha
01.2010 - 12.2016
- Extensive field work across Africa and the Middle East.
- Ran the operation in Cairo during the fall of Mubarak.
- Spent several months in Libya, both in Benghazi and then Tripoli, running large teams in the field, in charge of all operations on the ground, dealing with large budgets, all safety matters and daily coverage for AJE.
- Recently ran our desperate journey’s coverage on the refugee crisis in Europe.
Duty News Editor Text Service
Reuters TV
London
06.2000 - 09.2009
- In charge of daily schedule and planning for Reuters text/responding to breaking news and dealing with Reuters intake globally.
- Subbing and editing copy from teams around the world for Reuters file.
Field Producer
Reuters TV
London
06.2000 - 09.2009
- Covering a range of high-profile stories G8 summit, the Israel/Lebanon conflict, 2006, spending time both in Israel and Lebanon.
- Was in charge in Georgia during Georgia/Russia conflict in 2008, and Greece covering economic demonstrations and riots for our live service.
Africa Journal Producer
Reuters TV
Nairobi
01.2000 - 06.2000
- Covered/coordinated, Mozambique floods and aftermath.
- Duties at 30-minute weekly Africa Journal program included: shooting, producing, editing, scripting and voicing African interest packages for broadcast to clients worldwide via Reuters TV.
Press Officer
United Nations, World Food Program (WFP)
Nairobi
01.1999 - 12.1999
- Managed press operations for WFP in northern Nairobi, implementing communication strategies to raise awareness.
- Produced news releases (video and text) in challenging desert conditions, emphasizing the plight of the hungry to drive public engagement.
Education
BA (Hons) - Broadcast Journalism
Nottingham Trent University
01-1998
Skills
- digital transformation
- video production
- livestream management
- global newsgathering
- safety protocols
- team management
Personal Information
Citizenship: British Citizen/ US Permanent Resident
Timeline
Global director Video
Associated Press
04.2020 - Current
Executive Producer Americas
Al Jazeera English
12.2016 - 03.2020
Senior News Editor
Al Jazeera
01.2010 - 12.2016
Senior Field Coordinator
Al Jazeera
01.2010 - 12.2016
Duty News Editor Text Service
Reuters TV
06.2000 - 09.2009
Field Producer
Reuters TV
06.2000 - 09.2009
Africa Journal Producer
Reuters TV
01.2000 - 06.2000
Press Officer
United Nations, World Food Program (WFP)
01.1999 - 12.1999
BA (Hons) - Broadcast Journalism
Nottingham Trent University