The world is complicated.
The news doesn’t have to be.
Start Here is the flagship online explainer series for Al Jazeera English hosted by Sandra Gathmann, published on YouTube . The show helps people navigate the complicated world of international news by taking the big stories and breaking them down, usually in 10 minutes.
The strategy is simple, but effective: High-quality journalism, engaging storytelling and creative production. And in a world where the news media can be so polarised, what Start Here offers in the digital media space is more important than ever. Since its launch in 2019 - the series has become an award-winning format, receiving top accolades at the Shortys, Lovies and honorable mentions at the Gracies, and AIBs.
“The show is an invitation to people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the news.”
— Sandra Gathmann
We’ve covered topics ranging from the protests in Iran to the perks and pitfalls of AI technology; and from the significance of the Al Aqsa Mosque in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to the threats to peace in Bosnia…
On the road
Start Here was conceived in late 2019 as a studio-based show, but in 2022 we also launched Start Here — on the road, where Sandra takes the show’s audience to new places, elevating our explainer format with on-the-ground reporting.
Social Media
While Start Here’s main home is on YouTube and Facebook — we also make shorter explainers for Instagram and TikTok.
Here are some highlights ⬇️
Our Impact
Start Here has an impact well beyond views and engagement on social media — it’s a resource that universities and schools around the world tap into. Students tell us our videos help them with their classes on global politics.
Teachers get in touch to say they use Start Here to engage their students and help them tackle difficult subjects. One school in Toronto raised almost $2,000 for a hunger charity after watching our episode on famine in Madagascar.
The team behind it all
Sandra Gathmann is the host, lead writer and co-creator of Start Here. She’s an experienced journalist whose conversational tone and calm delivery draws viewers in, holds their attention and generates trust. But every episode of Start Here is a team effort — the product of a talented and dedicated group of journalists and creatives. Here’s the core team…
Julia Mills — executive producer
Sophia Ahmadi — producer
Harriet Tatham — producer
George Skortsis — video editor
Muaz Osman — graphics/motion design
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"Start Here has been an incredibly vital resource for me"
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"The show has helped thousands of people like me to really understand complex issues"
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"Clear, concise, and views from both sides"
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"It's the perfect way to keep myself informed"
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" I use Start Here videos in my lectures for Globalization and Current Affairs"
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"Thanks for the awesome reports on the (Ukraine) war. Very concise & easy to digest"
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"This series helps me feel less lost"
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• "Start Here has been an incredibly vital resource for me" • "The show has helped thousands of people like me to really understand complex issues" • "Clear, concise, and views from both sides" • "It's the perfect way to keep myself informed" • " I use Start Here videos in my lectures for Globalization and Current Affairs" • "Thanks for the awesome reports on the (Ukraine) war. Very concise & easy to digest" • "This series helps me feel less lost" •