MY STORY
The world of words has always fascinated me. I’ve been a journalist since 1999 and have been covering human rights and gender issues, animal welfare and lifestyle trends. I worked with The New Indian Express, Chennai; The New Sunday Express, Chennai; and was part of the launch team of The Times of India in Chennai.
(Some of my work can be found here: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toireporter/author-Priya-Menon-479201597.cms)
I worked there for almost 15 years as Features Editor before deciding to explore another aspect of journalism -- training -- as the world needs more media professionals who are committed to the profession.
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I now work as Senior Journalism Advisor, Journalism Centre on Global Trafficking, designing and implementing fellowship programmes for journalists.
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I am also the founder of Hues of Pride (huesofpride.com), a media initiative to combat mis/disinformation about the LGBTQIA+ community in India, which I launched on December 10, 2023, World Human Rights Day.
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I love engaging with the projects I work on, diving headfirst into the research, investigation, and production of the stories I feel are newsworthy. I am a curious and proactive journalist, interested in the latest digital media trends and passionate about the future of online storytelling. And I am also committed to training media professionals.
CV
HUES OF PRIDE (huesofpride.com) - FOUNDER AND FORMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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On December 10, 2023, I launched Hues of Pride, a media initiative to combat mis/ disinformation about the LGBTQIA+ community in India. As the editor-in-chief, I conceptualised and created the content for the website. In 2024, I handed it over to the Institute of Communication, the academic arm of the Kerala Media Academy, and Dhisha, a human rights NGO that works extensively with the queer community.
JOURNALISM CENTRE ON GLOBAL TRAFFICKING (JCOGT) - SENIOR JOURNALISM ADVISOR, SOUTH ASIA
I was in charge of a fellowship programme, ‘Increasing evidence-based reporting on Trafficking In Persons In India’, which was held by JCOGT in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate, Kolkata. I help facilitate online workshops, source experts, curate and moderate in-person sessions and mentor the fellows, providing editorial support to the journalists.
THE TIMES OF INDIA – FEATURES EDITOR
I write on a variety of topics, with a special focus on human rights, gender and animal welfare issues. As the head the News Features department, I work with reporters and feature writers, photographers and designers to bring out feature stories and modules. I curate and host online conclaves on a variety of subjects and mentor younger colleagues.
THE TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI (SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT TO SR ASST EDITOR)
I joined as a special correspondent when my work profile was primarily focused on writing, editing and helping in the production of feature modules. Over the years, I grew to be a senior assistant editor, and my work included writing local as well as national level stories, editing and working with colleagues across the country to do in-depth stories
THE NEW SUNDAY EXPRESS, CHENNAI (FEATURES EDITOR)
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I handled the cinema and books pages. My job profile involved coming up with stories for the Sunday magazine, writing, editing, sourcing content and identifying writers. I also wrote a fortnightly pets’ column for Indulge, a weekly supplement which comes out with The New Indian Express on Fridays.
THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS, CHENNAI (SUB EDITOR/REPORTER TO FEATURES EDITOR)
I joined as a cub reporter, whose primary job was to write feature stories, and was part of the launch team of City Express, a daily city supplement. I went on to head a 10-member team of feature writers and was responsible for planning and editing all the daily features pages of City Express. Was responsible for the content and production of the supplements that go all over south India and to Bhubaneswar. In 2004, I also helped launch Express Weekend – a weekend supplement.
EDUCATION
BA (English), St. Teresa’s College, M.G. University, Kerala
(1993-95)
MA (English), Central University of Hyderabad
(1995-97)
Internship in Environmental Journalism, CEE, Bengaluru
(1998-99)
AWARDS/ FELLOWSHIPS
2023: Laadli Media and Advertising Award for Gender Sensitivity 2023 for ‘English Newspaper - Feature'
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2021: PRB’s Women’s Edition Fellow
2019: The Second Anjali Gopalan Srishti Social Justice Journalism Award
2019: The Scribe Tribe award, TOI, for Best News Report
2018: Ally Award from Orinam, for being one of the first to write about LGBT issues in media
2017: Joint second prize at SCARF Media For Mental Health Awards 2017
2014: TAI-VHS award for working for transgender welfare
2013: 'Rainbow Ambassador' award for writing sensitively on LGBT issues
2012: Nirangal Award for Excellence in Journalistic Coverage of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues
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2012: Was the only journalist selected from India to participate in the Foreign Press Center Reporting Tour: A Developing Narrative: LGBT Rights and Issues in the US
December 2008 – February 2009: One of the recipients of the Eighth CSE Media Fellowship: The Anatomy of Discord: Humans vs Wildlife in India's Forests
2005: Jaigopal Garodia Voice For Animals Award from People for Animals (PfA)
SKILLS
I have a flair for writing, editing and producing modules. I am a good team leader and can work seamlessly with people across departments.
I can ideate for my team as well as hone their skills. I am a constant learner and open to taking up new challenges at work. I can curate and host online events – on Facebook, Instagram.
I can come up strong editorial content that make brand initiatives more meaningful.
LANGUAGES
I can read, write and speak English. I am also fluent in Malayalam, my mother tongue, and Hindi. I can understand and speak Tamil.