Sandra Gathmann

Host of ‘Start Here’

Sandra Gathmann is one of the internet’s most popular journalists helping millions of people around the world understand international news. She’s the host of “Start Here” — the Al Jazeera show that explains topics like the Wagner Group, profiles newsmakers like Imran Khan and Vladimir Putin and covers big stories like the conflict in Sudan and more recently, the war in Gaza.

On Instagram — Sandra posts bite-sized explainers, responding to stories like Jacinda Ardern’s resignation, and did an Instagram video series where she went to several cities in Turkey to talk to voters (including in the earthquake zone) ahead of elections there. Instagram is also where Sandra engages with her community of 70k loyal followers who regularly get in touch to pitch story ideas — and Sandra and her team respond.

The show’s spin off ‘Start Here — on the road’ has adapted the explainer format and taken it places like East Jerusalem — where Sandra breaks down the reasons behind the evictions and demolition of Palestinian homes. Last year she went to Afghanistan and spoke to Afghan men and women struggling after a year of Taliban rule.

Now in its fifth year, Start Here has continued to grow its audience of viewers who regularly praise the show’s engaging, easy-to-follow and balanced approach and Sandra’s approachable delivery.

The series garnered more than 13 million views on YouTube in 2023 and more than 20 million views on Instagram reels.