My name is Otti Thomas and I’ve been working as a journalist for over ten years. Although I studied journalism in the Netherlands at the Academy for Journalism, I learned the most actually working for several newspapers, radio stations and, especially, Reuters news agency, for which I was a correspondent for five years. Reuters strengthened my belief that it is more important to write reliable stories and correct possible mistakes as soon as possible, than to tell only one side of a story and hide your mistakes. Unfortunately, many media lack reliability, as they are trying to score. They exaggerate and neglect to tell the full story. Of course, there is no such thing as objectivity but it doesn’t hurt to strive for it.

Working for Reuters I also learned that those companies that tell a clear and honest story have the best chances of succeeding. A truthful story is an important part of good service. Clear, timely and above all honest communication can make the difference between success and failure.

Media I worked for:
Beurs- en Nieuwsberichten (1997/1998)
Gemeenschappelijke Persdiensten, GPD (1998)*
Reuters (1999/2004)
Antilliaans Dagblad (2005)
Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau, ANP (2005/2007)*
Radio Netherlands, RNW (2005/2006)*
Radio Hoyer (2005/2007)

Courses and studies:
Reuters Basic journalism (2000)
Reuters Advanced financial reporting (2002)
Reuters Advanced reporting on monetairy policy (2003)
The International Visitor Leadership Program of the U.S. Department of State; Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists (2007)

* either stringer or acting stringer

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