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Sarah Ebner
Head of email and editorial newsletters at The Telegraph
Professional Background
Sarah Ebner is an award-winning journalist whose diverse experience spans print, broadcast, and digital platforms. With a proven track record in news, features, commentary, and sports, Sarah is known for her agility in writing, innovative ideas, and exceptional communication skills.
In 2018, Sarah made a significant impact as she embraced the role of the first Head of Editorial Newsletters at The Telegraph. Recognizing the potential of newsletters in the era of digital journalism, she established a new department designed to enhance the publication's digital strategy, focusing on subscriptions and reader engagement. Under her leadership, The Telegraph achieved record subscription numbers in 2019, and the newsletter division has grown to feature over 40 dedicated newsletters, including exclusive subscription-only offerings and evergreen series that provide ongoing insight and information to readers.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique challenge, and Sarah utilized her expertise to create the "You Are Not Alone" newsletter, which offered support and connection during lockdown. As conditions improved, she transformed this initiative into the "The Good News Newsletter," a positive and uplifting source of encouraging news stories. This newsletter resonates well with audiences seeking hope and good news, therefore reinforcing the value of supportive journalism in trying times.
As of August 2020, Sarah's role expanded to encompass additional email communications, including those directed at audience acquisition and subscription growth. This expansion demonstrates the growing importance of these channels within The Telegraph. Sarah skillfully collaborates with various departments, including marketing, subscriptions, commercial, and technology, to optimize reader engagement and operational efficiency.
Before her remarkable tenure at The Telegraph, Sarah served as the Deputy Editor of The Jewish Chronicle, where she took up the responsibility for digital initiatives. She successfully launched a new website for the publication in December 2016, which saw record-breaking traffic, showcasing her ability to drive digital transformation in legacy media.
Sarah's journalism career began with a stint at The Daily Express, where she started as a graduate trainee and rose through the ranks to become a news reporter and feature writer. Her ability to engage audiences and uncover compelling stories was further honed as she moved to the Sports Desk at The Times. As the only female editor on this desk, she not only managed online editorial strategy but also launched Times Woman, a successful weekly email bulletin that highlighted the best of female writing from The Times and The Sunday Times.
Additionally, Sarah is the creator of "Family Travel Times," a family travel blog that gained widespread acclaim and was regularly acknowledged as a top-tier family travel resource. This blog was shortlisted for multiple awards and helped position Sarah as an influential figure in the family travel niche.
Education and Achievements
Sarah Ebner completed her academic studies at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science, where she earned a BSc (Econ) in Government and History. This solid educational foundation has equipped her with critical analytical skills and a deep understanding of socio-political frameworks, which she draws upon in her journalism.
Throughout her career, Sarah has achieved winning several awards for her journalism, showcasing her commitment to quality reporting and storytelling. Her innovation in digital formats, particularly in newsletters, stands out in an industry undergoing rapid transformation. This vision has not only elevated her own career but also set benchmarks for her peers in the field.
Continued Contributions and Speaking Engagements
Sarah Ebner is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences with others. She is available for speaking engagements on topics such as journalism, digital strategy, and the crucial role of newsletters in modern media landscapes. Her insights are invaluable for organizations looking to navigate the complexities of digital journalism and audience engagement in today's media environment.
