All the news that’s fit to print about Greece
of the partnership: Kathimerini publisher Aristides Alafouzos (fifth from left) with his wife Lena, along with International Herald Tribune CEO Richard McClean (fourth from right). Kathimerini English Edition’s first editor Nikos Konstandaras is at right. As Kathimerini English Edition enters its third decade, one can appreciate the quality of journalism it offers, and feel proud about being part of it.
The work done by a dedicated team of journalists and translators is serious, avoids the superficial, and indeed focuses on “all the news that’s fit to print.” Being a joint publication with The New York Times International Edition brings an increased sense of responsibility.
Kathimerini’s English Edition is important not only for the publisher, and the journalists, but for the country too. It is one of those rare cases where one feels part of something bigger. Being the world’s window on Greece is no small thing.
As a long-time correspondent in New York and Washington, and having attended countless international conferences, I had the opportunity to participate in discussions and exchanges with opinion-makers from around the world. I dare say that many foreign officials, businesspeople and analysts get a lot, if not most of their information about what is happening in Greece from this paper’s coverage, analyses and opinion columns. As a result many of their decisions, which often are of critical importance, are based on the perspective they form after they have read Kathimerini English Edition.
I recall a discussion I had many years ago with an American official in Washington, during which he insisted I was wrong on a point I had made. After an hour of an often heated debate, I failed to change his opinion. Still, his words, as we were leaving our meeting, spoke volumes. “I still do not accept your analysis of the situation, but given the reputation of Kathimerini, I will have to take it into consideration.”
That kind of respect and influence is the result of years of serious work by many people through the ranks.
As technology advances, so does influence. From traders on Wall Street and bureaucrats in Brussels, to potential investors in Beijing, these days our readership extends well beyond Greece’s and Cyprus’s – the paper is published in both countries – national borders.
Last but definitely not least, there are the Greeks of the diaspora – I feel like one of them as I have lived most of my life abroad – with their passionate feelings about Greece and their strong interest in what is happening in the motherland. They are a huge asset for the country and its future, and Kathimerini English Edition, with its quality and objectivity, plays its part, acting as a trusted source of information and a critical bridge between the diaspora and Greece.
“I still do not accept your analysis of the situation, but given the reputation of Kathimerini, I will have to take it into consideration.”
* Tom Ellis is editor in chief at Kathimerini English Edition.