MediaBites Tribute: Ethar El-Khataney — A Voice for the Voiceless, A Beacon for Immigrant Journalism
From the bustling streets of Cairo to the heart of New York City’s immigrant communities, Ethar El-Khataney has spent the last two decades chasing stories that matter — stories of humanity, resilience, and often, silent suffering.
At MediaBites, we salute Ethar’s remarkable journey in journalism, which began twenty years ago with a student newspaper article and has since evolved into a mission-driven career spanning continents, crises, and communities.
This week, Ethar’s dedication was rightfully recognized as she received the prestigious Vivek Shah Executive Leadership Alumni Award from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. This accolade stands as a testament to her leadership in immigrant-focused journalism and her relentless pursuit of truth, dignity, and connection.
Ethar’s work at Documented, a newsroom dedicated to reporting with and for immigrant communities in New York City, is a shining example of journalism as a public service. Reporting in multiple languages and on platforms that reflect real community use, Documented under Ethar’s guidance bridges critical information gaps, especially for marginalized voices often overlooked by mainstream media.
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Having migrated from Egypt 12 years ago—leaving behind a country where journalism still faces censorship and suppression—Ethar understands the value and vulnerability of press freedom. She knows firsthand the challenges of telling difficult truths in hostile environments. And yet, her conviction remains unshaken: “This work matters.”
Ethar’s career is a living reminder that journalism is not just about headlines—it’s about humans. From documenting the ravages of war in Aleppo to covering mass shootings in the U.S. and the quiet grief of deportation, her lens has always focused on those most affected, most unheard.
At a time when misinformation clouds public discourse and journalism faces growing pressure, Ethar champions accuracy and empathy and local journalism—the kind that doesn’t just report on communities, but reports with them.
As Ethar herself said, “My hope for Documented is simple: to serve and to listen.” We at MediaBites deeply admire this vision.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ethar El-Khataney on this well-earned recognition. Your journey inspires not just immigrant journalists but anyone who believes in the transformative power of storytelling.
We wish you continued strength, impact, and success. The world needs more journalists like you.
