MARINA WATSON

I’m a British journalist, and Spanish too — who writes, produces, researches, interviews, listens, and shapes stories.

Fluent in three languages, I focus on arts and culture, human rights, and crime. My work spans a wide range of topics, from stress management for TIME to the feminist power of Paula Rego’s religious artworks for the Financial Times. For the Thomson Reuters Foundation, I told the story of Portugal’s “Big Witches”—trans artists once evicted, now cultural icons. For the British Journal of Photography, I asked the celebrated Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide about the way she captures the soul of Mexican society, and for Equal Times, I undertook an in-depth exploration on the decriminalisation of drugs in Portugal.  I also collaborated with The New York Times as a field producer to work on a piece exploring Portugal's groundbreaking approach to drug addiction. I have also reported on the far-reaching effects of Trump’s travel ban for News Deeply and delved into René Burri’s lesser-known colour photography for Magnum Photos.

In interviews, I prioritise thoughtful, research-driven questions, active listening, and a commitment to portraying stories with accuracy and authenticity. I try to see people as they are, and to write them as they deserve.

Currently, I work as a researcher on Wondery’s narrative podcast The Spy Who.

I hold a BA in Journalism with Psychology from City, University of London, and a certificate in Documentary Film Directing from Cuba’s International Film and Television School (EICTV). 

Outside of work, I enjoy ballet, films, art shows, concerts, and looking at birds and trees.