NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Look Media, the new journalism organization created by Pierre Omidyar, today announced that Connie Yu has joined the organization as photo director. Yu will focus primarily on enhancing First Look’s digital publications with compelling, world-class photojournalism. She will develop both the photo team and the tools to support a range of new editorial products.
With more than 16 years of digital media experience, Yu has extensive knowledge of how to use powerful content to drive audience growth, user engagement and revenue. Most recently Yu served as photography director at AOL. She previously spent 14 years at Entertainment Weekly.com in a variety of roles, including photo director and photo editor.
“In an age when the power of images is vital to digital news and visual storytelling, Connie brings years of experience as well as an appetite to try new technologies and push traditional boundaries,” said Bill Gannon, executive editor of First Look Media. “She’ll play an instrumental role in helping First Look’s photography be as distinctive as the rest of our journalism.”
While at EW.com, Yu led an award-winning team of photo editors that not only supported original reporting, but also created a portfolio of powerful visual story-telling strategies, tools and techniques.
Employing social media as well as desktop and mobile platforms, Yu used photography to dramatically increase page views, social audiences and unique visitors, resulting in the site’s photo galleries accounting for more than 50% of overall monthly page views. She was also responsible for building photo workflows and strategies for site redesigns, a responsive mobile design and three new sections.
“There is a sea change happening in how we as users connect to great photography, regardless of the platform or source,” said Yu. “Compelling photography can give stories texture and depth and can engage users in ways other forms of journalism cannot. First Look has the opportunity and the vision to not just replicate what’s out there already, but to build something entirely new and valuable from the ground up.”
Yu’s first day with First Look was March 17 and she is based in New York City.
About First Look Media
First Look Media seeks to reimagine journalism for the digital age, combining the promise of technological innovation with the power of fearless reporting. Founded by Pierre Omidyar, the organization will pursue original, independent journalism that is deeply reported and researched, thoroughly fact checked, and beautifully told. We are driven above all by a belief that democracy depends on a citizenry that is not just highly informed, but deeply engaged. In all our work, we are committed to strict standards of accuracy and honesty, a willingness to report our own errors and inconsistencies, and a deep respect for the transformative power of true stories. To learn more, visit www.firstlook.org.