#MeetTheMedia Miles Buckeridge

Meet Miles Buckeridge, Deputy Editor at What’s On. From cast cars to outer space, Miles is your go-to editor for that perfect place to watch the sunset…

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

Film, food, quirky off-beat regional news, science and science fiction, entertainment, and the occasional topic that makes our group editor narrow her eyes with ill-concealed skepticism

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

Wackiest, would be the kindest way to put it – but I once got a release for a brunch to celebrate a certain religious holiday for which it was very much not appropriate. Which is bad enough, but the name of the brunch, [redacted] seemed likely to land someone in jail.

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

Is there an angle to the story that would make it something I'd be likely to click on, without having to a deliberately bait the title? It has to have a personal hook, something that I personally find authentically interesting. You can't fake passion, and it's hard to write a compelling story without it.

What story or stories are you most proud of?

Not the ones with the most views. There are positivity pieces I've written, open letters really, addressing biases and misrepresentations, and ones promoting local passion projects that have helped businesses I love, certain film interviews where I've unlocked raw emotion or a sneaky exclusive scoop, and a review I did for a Lamborghini – purely because it nurtured the memory of nine-year-old Miles who borderline worshipped the Countach.

Tell us about your dream assignment.

A staycation review of the first lunar space station.

Where did you grow up?

North West London.

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

I was in travel for the longest time, doing writing on the side; I switched to travel writing about six years later, then moved on to full-time writing with travel on the side. The best sorts of revolution stop at 180º.

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

Likely distracted by something either literally or metaphorically shiny.

Favorite local restaurants or other places to hang out?

Chez Wam, San Wan, Josette, Tasca, and Kite Beach

Tell us a little about yourself.

If it involves half-remembered podcasts, burgers, 3 am discussions on the profundity of the universe, Steve Irwin, movies, spirit animals, hypothetical ‘would you rathers’, sci-fi, hip hop, Family Guy quotes, surfer chic, impressions, strong opinions on 90s kid’s shows, 'knowing a spot' for sunsets, the life and works of both leading David Mitchells, peroxide or conspiracy theories, we should talk. *does finger guns*

Check out the latest Miles adventures - https://whatson.ae/

#MeetTheMedia Aman Dhami

Meet Aman Dhami, a Senior Content Manager who worked for one of the biggest published groups in the UAE - ITP Media Group. Aman managed the content at ITP Live and working as a freelance Content Manager at Harper's Bazaar Arabia. She talks about Fashion, Celebrities, and Lifestyle.#amandhami.

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

I am interested in both style and substance – sustainable fashion! In a world facing climate change and environmental threats, I see this movement as more than just a trend, but a beacon of hope. I foreshadow new social media platforms coming out this year or more focus being on short-form video content. Hopefully, social media will be a powerful tool to amplify the sustainable movement, echoing the growing chorus of voices demanding a better and more greener future.                      

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

Choosing stories becomes a treasure hunt because of the vast amount of articles that are uploaded daily. Amidst the fleeting trends and ephemeral voices, I like to seek gems that resonate, and that carry weight for myself and the wider world.        

What story or stories are you most proud of?

Thousands of words have flowed from my pen, but it’s the echoes of human experiences that resonate with me and inspire us all. Life stories from any individual are interesting and spark a curious flame. I enjoy listening and delving into the kaleidoscope of perspectives, to understand how threads of success and failures weave into the magnificent tapestries of individual lives. Therefore, the stories I would be most proud of, are the ones where I can interview others on their journey to success.

Tell us about your dream assignment.

I would like to become a conduit, channeling the wisdom and experiences of remarkable individual's to inspire others on YouTube. I envision myself as a storyteller, not just chronicling facts, but capturing the essence of their journey, the fire in their eyes, the lessons etched in their scars. I really enjoy the video podcast: Diary of a CEO.       

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the UK - born in a little town called Rainham in Essex.

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

Back in school, I enjoyed English Lit and Creative Writing. I loved playing with words and crafting stories. When it came to choosing a university subject, Fine Art caught my eye, but my family wasn't sold on its job prospects. So, I stuck with what I knew and did English Literature and Creative Writing. Funny thing, Mum used to shout at me for never having a book in hand, and now my apartment's practically a library! My other big love was fashion. I used to binge-watch Ugly Betty with my sister, dreaming of that whole glamorous magazine world. Now living that dream. I believe that you can get what you want by visualising things and focusing on the end goal - everyone should have a vision board by now!      

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

…constantly trying to think of ideas to do more so I can better my life for myself and my family. With the type of creative person I am, routine is so important for me so that I stay focused. I ensure self-love/self-care is part of my routine now as well as putting my business hat on so I leave a legacy behind. I have two career goals and one of them has already been achieved.         

Favorite local restaurants or other places to hang out?

There is one place where my partner and I love to go at the end of a working week and it’s Mongolian Hot Pot in Dubai Marina. It’s not a “bling” place in Dubai, but somewhere we can put our sweats on and relax with good food. We normally talk about our week and if our friend joins us, then we always discuss business ideas or opportunities like knights at the round table.    

Tell us a little about yourself.

That could take a while, so to sum myself up in one sentence, I am a pick ‘n’ mix bag of sweets. Someone asked me what quality I like about myself. I wasn’t sure until I spoke to a friend at work who said, “You have empathy towards people and that’s very rare to find.” The conversation went on, but it made me think that I do enjoy learning about everyone. I don’t pick and choose who to be friends with, who to talk to, or who to sit with. Everyone is welcome at my table.   

Just like a pick ‘n’ mix bag, follow Aman via her social media accounts to see her lifestyle content and on Linkedin for trends, insights and inspiration:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/aman.dhamii

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amandhami

Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialamandhami

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@amitandaman

#MeetTheMedia Manju Ramanan

Meet Manju Ramanan. The TedX Speaker and a journalist with over 22 years of experience.

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

I interview Bollywood, Arab, and Pakistani film stars, but human interest stories fascinate me.

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

For the Dubai Women’s Run in 2017, I got 55 women to run 5kms in red cotton handloom sarees.

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

To explore people’s reservoirs of courage and how they handle crisis. They could be unscathed and proud, burnt but wise, damaged but kind.

What story or stories are you most proud of?

Shahrukh Khan, Raha Moharak, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar , Hopemaker Ahmed al Falasi, Autistic musician Ahmed al Hashemi and my coffee table book on HH Sheikh Saqr al Qassimi, late ruler of Ras al Khaimah.

Tell us about your dream assignment.

To integrate my vast experience in 2 countries, India and UAE, to narrate stories (print, podcast, YouTube, website). To work where I am respected and valued and earn a good remuneration for my commitment.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Baroda, Gujarat, in India.

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

In 2000, the next day after my father’s death, The Times of India called me to Ahmedabad for an interview, and they didn’t show up. When the act was repeated, I wrote an angry letter to the editor. The team came to my city and offered me the job.

Finish this sentence: If I am not reporting, I am… writing books and interviewing people

Favorite local restaurants or other places to hang out?

Farzi, Mint Leaf of London and Tiptara.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a proud mom, Ted X speaker, passionate journalist and saree hoarder.

Connect with Manju here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manju-ramanan-56069b4/ or catch her on IG / FB @manjuramanan.