Paula Slier has worked in broadcasting for over 20 years as a foreign correspondent, anchorwoman and news editor, and has received numerous awards for her work, including being a finalist in the Russian TEFI awards (the Emmys of Russia) for her reporting in Libya. Her assignments have taken her across the globe and she can often be seen reporting as Russia Today’s Middle East Bureau Chief, a position she’s held since the inception of the channel in 2005, from the frontlines of Syria, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Egypt, Gaza, Israel and Lebanon. In 2015, she was the Southern Africa winner in the media category of Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government Awards, having twice been recognized as one of the most influential women in South Africa.

Paula is also the founder and CEO of Newshound Media, an international media production company. She manages a network of stringers across the Middle East and Africa, providing content to several international broadcasters. Paula has twice been recognized by the Russian President Vladimir Putin for her ‘colossal input into the development of Russian journalism and for her professionalism in covering issues of paramount importance.’ She has participated in various working sessions of the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe) for human rights and democracy dedicated to the work of journalists in conflict zones.

More than 20 years ago I started my career as an eager young journalist at the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation.

I’ve been based in the Middle East since 2005, working variously as a foreign correspondent, anchor-woman and news editor.

I am the founder and CEO of Newshound Media, an international media production company as well as the Middle East Bureau Chief for Russia Today. My stories for Russia Today can be found here.

My work has also appeared on Reuters, CNN and South Africa’s Carte Blanche.

My assignments have taken me across the globe – I’ve reported from the frontline in Gaza and Lebanon and elsewhere.

I’ve reported live under fire in Tripoli and crawled through tunnels with Hamas smugglers in Gaza.

I was drawn into journalism as a means of giving a voice to the voiceless and empowering those who are all too easily forgotten or ignored.

I believe in the power of pictures and words to change people’s lives.