Nicola Careem

Nicola Careem joined RFE/RL as Head of News in July 2023. In this position, she is responsible for establishing RFE/RL’s editorial priorities, overseeing the editorial board, and managing the production of multi-platform news content published in 23 countries and 27 languages. Careem has over two decades of experience as a journalist, overseeing news operations in conflict zones and turbulent environments. She has covered six wars from the ground, leading teams in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Palestinian territories, Syria, and Yemen. Most recently, she played a pivotal role at CNN as the Director of Coverage during the first six months of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Before joining CNN, Careem led the BBC’s South Asia operation from New Delhi. She oversaw internationally acclaimed and agenda-setting coverage, steering the organization through the conflict in Afghanistan, increased military escalations between India and Pakistan, and unparalleled attacks on journalistic freedoms in the region.