The Northern Europe team was just preparing for the holidays when news broke on the Friday evening before Christmas of the market attack in the German city of Magdeburg.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the team responded with professionalism and speed, delivering world-class coverage under challenging circumstances. Senior producer Kerstin Sopke, chief photographer Markus Schreiber, and reporter Geir Moulson took charge immediately, coordinating a swift deployment to Magdeburg, two hours from Berlin. Photographer Ebrahim Noroozi and freelance videographer Christopher Stern raced to the scene, with Sopke securing the first live video signal and UGC through a partner agency. Stern then provided the first international agency live feed from Magdeburg, 45 minutes before our competitors.
The next morning, Axel Gerke, Michael Probst and Kirsten Grieshaber, and others joined the field team, braving long, cold, and wet days to deliver outstanding coverage widely used by clients. Geir ensured aggressive story developments, maintaining accuracy and speed. From Los Angeles, Berlin reporter Stefanie Dazio offered help and added depth by writing off videos and social content that provided crucial updates, while Vanessa Gera’s collaboration with Geir carried the story throughout the weekend as the death toll increased and details of the perpetrator became known.
The team’s coordination across bureaus and departments was critical, with remote editing and production of videos and photos by colleagues across Europe. For speed and cross-format coordination, the team wins this week’s 1st Honorable Mention.
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