Trainer Spotlight: Bill Dorman

headshot Bill Dorman, Trainer Spotlight

By Alicia Canchola

Bill Dorman is an accomplished journalist who has worked in many capacities and venues.  Currently the News Director at Hawaii Public Radio, he has won a national Emmy, and recognition from the Overseas Press Club of New York and the New York Film Festival

Dorman worked with the GCJD in 2014 in the Philippines where the center conducted a training to help journalists better cover natural disasters. Dorman spoke specifically about combatting corruption.  “The potential for corruption exists anywhere there is a combination of power, money and opportunity in close proximity to each other” he says.

Dorman believes it is important for journalists to push for transparency in combatting corruption.  He says journalists should direct attention to areas otherwise considered secret or closed off to the public so corruption doesn’t thrive.

Dorman says the work of the GCJD is of critical importance, and that the relevance of its work is growing.  He says when journalism is done right, it aides in the fulfillment of promised democracy by keeping citizens informed and engaged.  High quality and clear expression are standards he describes as important in journalism.  “The GCJD does a great job of articulating those high standards –not just in a theoretical way, but in a practical manner that helps working journalists on the ground.”

To young journalists beginning their careers, Dorman emphasizes the importance of paying attention to sourcing as well as maintaining a diverse outlook at the world.  With the wide variety of information provided by social media and the Internet, he advises journalists who are just starting out to “challenge information that is presented as ‘factual’ when it does not have a basis in reality,” and to, “always be curious and be open to wonder.”

Dorman’s resume is impressive. He has previously held high-level positions at CNN including reporter and managing edito . He has also worked as the Managing Editor of Asia Pacific Broadcast News for Bloomberg in Tokyo, where he was responsible for bureaus in various cities including Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, and Sydney. 

Dorman currently resides with his wife Noriko in Hawaii where he works for Hawaii Public Radio. In addition to being the news director, he also produces the daily feature, the Asia Minute.  Over the last three years, the Hawaii Public Radio newsroom has received state, regional, and national recognition including half a dozen regional and two national Edward R. Murrow awards for western states under his direction.


Global Center for Journalism and Democracy
Dan Rather Communications Building, Room 201, Huntsville, TX 77340