A hard-won exclusive flies around the globe as IEA chief warns of jet-fuel shortages

Six weeks — that is how lengthy Europe had earlier than operating out of jet gas, based on an exclusive report by Paris-based correspondent John Leicester that shortly reverberated around the world.

Leicester secured uncommon entry to International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol after persistent outreach, beating out lots of of competing interview requests. He made the case that the AP may ship Birol’s message to a worldwide viewers — and adopted by way of with a wide-ranging, all-formats interview at a pivotal second throughout the power shock triggered by the Iran struggle.

The reporting mixed sturdy writing with high-quality visuals. Video journalists Nicolas Garriga and Oleg Cetinic filmed the interview utilizing a three-camera setup, whereas senior producer Jeffrey Schaeffer created a number of edits tailor-made for various platforms. Photojournalist Michael Euler captured dynamic pictures of Birol talking in his workplace overlooking the Eiffel Tower.

Leicester and the group shortly recognized the world implications of Birol’s warning about jet gas shortages and potential flight disruptions. They moved shortly to tailor protection for various areas, guaranteeing key feedback reached audiences in Asia and Europe forward of main information cycles. The reporting gained traction shortly, with airways and European Union officers responding publicly as the story unfold.

The story grew to become one of AP’s most-read items of the week, extensively cited by different shops and mentioned throughout broadcast and digital platforms.

Judges praised the story’s worldwide attain, sturdy sourcing and excessive manufacturing worth throughout codecs.

For an entertaining scoop with deep world influence, John Leicester wins this week’s Best of AP — First Winner.