Trifonova: The Power of International Voices in Journalism

Written by Madison Russell

Designed by Taylor Pearson | Photography by Kevin Segovia

In today’s interconnected world, good journalists are just as important as concrete foundations. No information, it seems, is off-limits. Citizens of the world today review the news while brushing their teeth, receive a wide amount of breaking news alerts throughout the day, and fall asleep scrolling Twitter. This makes the fact that misinformation, which has permeated our most common spaces, all the more dangerous. Without accurate, up-to-date information, you are left drowning, unable to form fact-based opinions.

Teodora Trifonova is a big believer in fact-based, responsible journalism. In fact, it is the opus of her whole career. Trifonova, born in Bulgaria, knew from a young age that she wanted to be a reporter, and not just a reporter but a journalist – boots on the ground – gathering the story firsthand and making a difference. Trifonova had no connections in the journalism world when she started her career.

“I walked into different stations until one offered me a chance,” Trifonova said, describing how she would “ask if they were looking for trainees” and often would “hand her resume to security guards.”

This led to her start, 15 years ago, on Bulgarian National Radio. It was hard work, but Trifonova knew that ultimately the experience would be worth it. This led to her next introductory role, as a trainee at BTV, Bulgaria’s leading news station. She was offered a job at BTV at the age of 23, making her the youngest member of the team.

Trifonova has contributed to their coverage ever since. In 2015, she was chosen by the World Press Institute to be sent to the United States to further her craft, a great honor that hundreds of other professionals had applied for, but only ten receive annually. This opportunity sparked a love for international reporting and her current path as a foreign correspondent.

“You learn a lot when reporting internationally,” Trifonova said, “you are able to see a situation and meet people” that one normally would not see otherwise. She has been to several countries throughout Europe, seeing the notable similarities and differences that exist between various cultures.

Soon after, she received a Fulbright grant to study at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. During her studies, Trifonova worked in Washington D.C. covering stories for PBS Newshour and Axios, an undeniably crammed schedule, but a time she referred to as “the experience of a lifetime.” It wouldn’t be long before Trifonova was once again recruited for her journalistic prowess, this time by The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is pursuing her Ph.D. at UT, as well as teaching and working for BTV.

“If you want to be a good instructor, you have to be in this profession because it is developing so fast and you must be up to date,” Trifonova said. Trifonova gives her students a window into the world of journalism that she never saw in school. She seeks to ensure that students have a “practical” view of what a career in journalism truly entails. Trifonova’s overarching career goal is not to gather as many accolades as possible, nor to be popular on TV, but to help and make an impact.

“People need to be well informed and trust journalists, with good quality journalists to make up their mind without bias,” Trifonova said.

It is no secret that society has become increasingly divided over the years, and Trifonova, who covered both the 2016 and 2020 elections can speak to this shift as it happens. Trifonova has seen firsthand how society has become “more divided and angry” since the 2016 election. This change has forged the belief in Trifonova that her work is more imperative with each passing day. With this in mind, it is easy to imagine just how busy she has been through her fifteen-year career.

“You must be the expert of the story and must look to history to remember the best practices in journalism,” Trifonova said. This responsibility is one that Trifinova does not take lightly and is central to all of her endeavors.

“The people expect more from [journalists] and we must not underestimate them,” Trifonova said.

Trifonova’s career started in Bulgaria, a country where free speech and media freedom were not always a given. Trifonova’s triumphant career shows the importance of highlighting voices from around the world in our media.