fbraun.press@gmail.com

Luxembourg

Resume

I worked as a journalist for several years, primarily for the written press where I came to specialize in Jewish affairs and won the Amnesty International Media Award in 2016 for my investigative report into the death of a gay refugee from Russia. I have also gained experience in communications, both on the field and as member of a communication department.

Since leaving my last employer, I have been working on obtaining a degree in Cultural studies, while actively seeking a full-time position. Journalism has provided me with a strong understanding of Luxembourg’s politics and society as well as of the specific issues and needs relating to communication and public relations functions. This is especially true when thinking about the near silence that surrounded the fate of Luxembourg’s Jews during the Nazi occupation until recently. As a journalist, I covered most of the events that eventually led the local authorities to present official excuses to the Jewish community and culminated in the unveiling of a monument in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. I was also privileged to gain the trust of many reluctant survivors who would share their stories with me, sometimes for the first time ever.

Having a naturally strong familiarity with the use of digital media, I have also developed a keen sense of the way in which they shape our perception of things (and thus of good communication) and at times challenge, not alone journalism, but the very foundations of our values and institutions. I believe in the lasting power of storytelling. Addressing the ill-effects of social media frenzy and promoting media literacy, directly, is one way to counter these tendencies; inviting users to come backstage and explain to them, how things are done and why, on what philosophical basis, is yet another.

Finally, during the last three or four years I have been involved in the planning and implementing of several smaller events, such as readings and conferences. I very much enjoyed this activity and would love to develop it on a larger scale.

Awards

Amnesty International Media Award 2016 (Luxembourg) for best contribution to public debate on subjects relating to human rights, Amnesty International Luxembourg.