Tim Large becomes Foundation journalism training director

Tim Large (photo), editor-in-chief of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, was appointed the charity’s director of programme for the training of journalists and media professionals. The role was vacated by Jo Weir a month ago.

Monique Villa, Foundation chief executive, said he brings to the post two decades of experience as a journalist, reporting from numerous countries and managing a global team of 27 staff journalists and a network of over 100 stringers worldwide. Large has also led journalism training courses around the world, including in China, Vietnam, Kenya, India, Portugal, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Bhutan.

“Over the past six years, Tim Large has been instrumental in shaping the editorial coverage of the Foundation, looking into those often under reported stories which are still extremely important. His journalistic integrity and passion are reflected in the quality of the news produced by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, and by the growing size and scope of the editorial team. I’m confident Tim will bring the same passion and his valuable know-how to drive our training programme into new fields,” she said.

Villa did not say who would take his place as the Foundation’s editor-in-chief.

Born in the United States and raised in Australia, in 2010 Large led the creation of the Foundation’s Emergency Information Service for disaster-affected populations, which first deployed immediately after an earthquake struck Haiti to provide life-saving information in local languages.

He said: “For over 30 years, the Foundation has promoted the highest standards of journalism worldwide. From training more than 12,000 local reporters to setting up independent news agencies in Iraq, Egypt and Zimbabwe, it has put core Reuters values of speed, accuracy and impartiality at the heart of its programmes. That’s an amazing legacy to build on, and I’m excited about taking things to the next level at this critical time for the news industry.” 

The Foundation said Large will drive the programme’s strategic initiatives to enhance journalism excellence around the world through the training of journalists, and the creation of news platforms to support and promote independent media.

The programme will also increase the capacity currently dedicated to providing media communications training for corporations and other international organisations. Large will also provide strategic direction for the Foundation’s news platforms around the world, including the Foundation’s Arabic and English news service in Egypt, and website providing business and economic news from Zimbabwe.

Earlier on Thursday Large unveiled a new design for the Foundation’s website. ■