#MEETTHEMEDIA Antara Bose

Antara is the co-editor at www.barizaoman.com and a presenter for the Times of Oman. When she’s not ghost busting, she’s dreaming of unsolved ancient mysteries… Who you gonna to call?

What types of stories, trends or issues are on your radar now?

I’ve always enjoyed writing pieces on beauty and fashion as well as heritage and culture, but I’m currently focusing on pieces on travel. Apart from that, I regularly cover auto and lifestyle-related stories.

Describe one of the wackiest proposals/ideas you’ve been sent.

‘Write about the top 3 haunted places in a specific city, but it has to be a first-hand experience.’ The publication was worth it, but number three on the list made me realize my life was probably more precious.     

What elements or characteristics do you look for in a story?

A good narrative with some relatable humor is always a good read. I also like stories that are informative, insightful, and leave you with an after-thought.

What story or stories are you most proud of?

It has to be a story that I wrote on Wadi dogs. Apart from that I truly enjoyed working on a piece that delved deep into Oman’s Frankincense trail.  

Tell us about your dream assignment.

This might be a little far-fetched, but I’d love to work on a project like Unsolved Ancient Mysteries.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in the bustling city of Kolkata but grew up in sunny Oman

How did you get your start in the media? What is your story?

I had a knack for storytelling (thanks to my incredibly patient grandparents) and I eventually started writing stories. From stories to reviews and finally, I had a column in the local newspaper.

Finish this sentence: If I am not reporting, I am…

Trying to finish my novel.

Favorite local restaurants or other places to hang out?

I’m a ‘sit-by-the-ocean-with-my-dogs’ person, and fortunately, Oman has an abundance of beautiful beaches!

Tell us a little about yourself.

As a free-spirited writer at heart, I thrive on an innate desire to pen down eclectic muse. Whether it's capturing the essence of a moment or diving deep into intriguing topics, I'm fueled by a passion to explore the unconventional. From local heroes to influential thought leaders, I've interviewed a number of people. While I've made my mark in sectors like lifestyle, travel, and auto, there's a part of me that's irresistibly drawn to the mysteries of crime and the supernatural. Besides that, I take delight in sprinkling facts on offbeat subjects and remain inherently biased toward any animal lover.

You can catch up with Antara on Instagram – @antarabose, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/antarabose/, and online at – www.barizaoman.com.

#MeetTheMedia Vinod Nair

Meet Vinod Nair, a Senior Content Writer and Online Editor at the Oman Daily Observer. He writes about Economic Development, Industry News, Community and Public Affairs. When not writing, you can find him sipping tea in one of Muscat’s outside cafes.

What types of stories, trends or issues are on your radar now?

Climate change, tourism and aviation.

Describe one of the wackiest proposals/ideas you’ve been sent.

Not really, or maybe, or not. But I will support any such proposals :-)

What elements or characteristics do you look for in a story?

As a career journalist with nearly 25 years of experience, for me confirming the facts is the most important aspect of any new report. This is because the average reader who views my reports has put his faith on my reputation, my style of presenting facts and my access to reliable network of sources.

What story or stories are you most proud of?

As a professional journalist, we often end up as a news-generating machine, which at the end of means nothing because of its shelf value. But there are some reports, which is a result of weeks and months of follow-up, networking and due to the trust and confidence that your sources have in you. In today's world of social media, anyone can take your report and present it as his or her own, without giving any credit. But that in itself is something we can be proud of.

Tell us about your dream assignment.

An access to a world event and get to something of the leaders who matter in today's world to tackle important crisis and issues, which can impact adversely generations to come, if not ours.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Mumbai, which for me is one of the safest cities of the world considering its demographic and geographical size. No city in the world is perfect and ideal, but for Mumbai is certainly one of the underrated cities of the last few decades.

How did you get your start in the media? What is your story?

I got into journalism by choice, and not accident. Luckily, for me I had the right persons at the right time to guide me and offer the breaks that I need at the time. We didn’t have a family background, but my parents extended all the support and the resilience that one needs while waiting for the first break or going through the intial struggles.

What would you have been if you had not ended up in journalism?

I did not have the Plan B at that time. But If had not moved to the gulf in early 2000s, I would have been a different journalist with a different focus.

Favorite local restaurants or other places to hang out?

I prefer outdoor seatings and any type of tea.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I don't like to judge people at one go, but it is difficult to change my opinion once I judge someone. Travel in growing years was restricted to Mumbai and family visits. Over the past 20 years, I got some fair opportunities to see places and meet people. I wish to continue that for the rest of my life, regardless as part of the work or not.

Connect with Vinod here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinotnair18/

#vinodnair #oman #gulfjournalist