Syeda Hasan

What I cover
As a senior editor, I lead KUT’s Daily News Desk. I help assign and edit the stories you hear in our local newscasts during Morning Edition and All Things Considered. I think about those segments as a valuable opportunity to connect with KUT’s audience, and I aim to convey the essential information people need to know across the Austin area as they go about their day.

Previously, I covered housing at KUT. I also covered mental health at KERA in Dallas. Like many journalists, I’ve worn different hats in the newsroom, from reporting to filling in as a host to organizing live events around news coverage.

My background
I’ve worked in public radio my whole professional career. I started out interning at KUT while studying journalism and French at the University of Texas at Austin. I grew up in Houston, and I worked at Houston Public Media and KERA before returning to Austin.

I’m excited to be part of the 2023-2024 cohort for the Poynter Institute’s Editorial Integrity and Leadership Initiative. Through the fellowship, I’ve connected with mentors, coaches and public media journalists from around the country who are working to be more effective managers and strengthen local journalism.

When I’m not working, I try to unplug from the news by spending time with friends and family, walking my dog Rhea, trying new recipes and watching Real Housewives.

Ethics 
I do my best to thoroughly fact-check the stories I write and edit, relying on primary source documents and asking clarifying questions. As an editor, I try to be the firewall that stops mistakes from getting on the air. If we get something wrong, I issue corrections quickly. I also think of myself as a surrogate for the audience. As I work with reporters, I try to think through what voices or information may be missing from a story, and I try to ensure our coverage is fair, nuanced and balanced.