Karl Malakunas

head of philanthropic partnerships Agence France-Presse

Karl Malakunas is a Walkley Award-winning and Emmy-nominated journalist, newsroom leader and documentary filmmaker who has worked for Agence France-Presse (AFP) since 2001.

Karl is currently the Head of Philanthropic Projects for AFP, building relationships with foundations and non-profit institutions to help fund journalism media projects aligned with AFP’s values and objectives. The projects integrate philanthropic-supported journalism into new and expanded editorial projects within AFP, strengthening impactful journalism and driving innovation. They also involve collaborating with, and supporting, other media and journalists outside of AFP.

Previously Karl set up AFP's digital investigation operations in the Asia-Pacific. He established fact-check teams in Indonesia, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Australia, as well as an editing desk in Hong Kong and the foundational work process for the operations. Karl worked as AFP's Asia-Pacific Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Head of English Desk from 2019-2025.

Over more than two decades at AFP, Karl was also based in the Philippines, China and Singapore, working as a Bureau Chief, News Editor and Asia-Pacific Environment Editor. He has reported around the globe on assignment covering major events such as conflicts, environmental and political summits, and natural disasters.

Karl also directed and produced the enviro-thriller documentary Delikado, which was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Investigative Documentary, and earnt Karl the Walkley Award – Australia's equivalent of a Pulitzer – for Best Longform Documentary. Karl has led Delikado's impact campaign to support environment defenders and the natural resources they protect.

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Eventi IJF 2025