Paul Rothman

I have always been deeply interested by how media and information shape our societies – for the good or bad. Given the critical role of quality, independent media in how this plays out, I knew ICFJ was the right place for me.

At ICFJ, I oversee a diverse portfolio of programs that supports investigative journalism, international journalist exchanges, and capacity building for journalists and media outlets operating in a wide range of political contexts and media environments.

My background: Before starting at ICFJ, I spent eight years at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). For most of that time, I worked with the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA), where I helped craft CIMA’s research agenda and managed special initiatives. These initiatives included regular convenings of diverse stakeholders in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, to identify common challenges facing regional media landscapes and devise approaches to address them. Most recently at NED, I managed the organization’s multi-country programs in Asia on issues related to independent media and freedom of expression, free and fair elections, and digital and physical security for human rights defenders.

I have an M.A. in Asian Studies from the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University, and a B.A. in International Relations from Drake University.

Ask me about: tennis, cooking, David Attenborough documentaries, and having too many pets

Contact me: prothman@icfj.org and on Twitter and LinkedIn