Rachel Blundy

From London to Hong Kong: A Transcontinental Journey

Blundy began her career at the London Evening Standard, where she honed her skills in fast-paced urban reporting. Her transition to Hong Kong in 2015 marked a shift toward in-depth features, particularly at the South China Morning Post (SCMP). There, she covered beats ranging from environmental conservation to expatriate life, often amplifying marginalized voices.

Pioneering Fact-Checking and Digital Investigations

In 2020, Blundy joined Agence France-Presse (AFP) as a fact-check editor, later ascending to Head of Digital Investigation in Asia-Pacific. Her role involves debunking misinformation across the region, a critical task in an era of AI-driven deepfakes and viral hoaxes. This phase of her career underscores her adaptability in merging traditional journalism with cutting-edge digital tools.

Key Articles and Impact

• Grounds for Optimism: Coffee Course for Special Needs Teens This 2017 SCMP piece explored a Salvation Army initiative training teens with disabilities in coffee-making. Blundy’s narrative wove personal stories with broader themes of social inclusion, highlighting how vocational programs can transform lives. The article spurred local cafes to adopt similar initiatives, demonstrating journalism’s power to drive community action.
• Why Are Hong Kong’s Expats Still Down in the Dumps? Published in 2021, this analysis delved into expatriate dissatisfaction post-2019 protests and COVID-19 restrictions. Blundy balanced statistical data with firsthand accounts, revealing tensions between Hong Kong’s global identity and political realities. The piece remains a benchmark for understanding the city’s shifting expat dynamics.
• Female Politicians Increasingly Victims of AI-Generated Deepfake Pornography Co-authored for AFP in 2025, this investigative report exposed the global rise of deepfake abuse targeting women in politics. Blundy’s contribution emphasized Asia’s lag in legal frameworks compared to Europe, urging policymakers to address digital violence. The story influenced legislative debates in South Korea and Japan.

Beat Analysis and Pitching Recommendations

1. Localized Human-Interest Angles

Blundy prioritizes stories with tangible community impact. Pitches should emphasize grassroots initiatives, particularly those bridging cultural divides. For example, her SCMP coverage of a domestic helper’s Kilimanjaro climb [2] illustrates her interest in ordinary individuals achieving extraordinary feats.

2. Misinformation and Digital Ethics

With her AFP role, Blundy seeks investigations into AI’s societal impacts. Proposals could explore deepfake regulation gaps or tech solutions for fact-checking. Avoid speculative claims; focus on verifiable trends like her analysis of WhatsApp misinformation during COVID-19 [1].

3. Environmental Justice in Urban Spaces

Hong Kong’s ecological challenges—from country park development debates [2] to plastic waste—are recurring themes. Successful pitches might highlight innovative sustainability projects or policy critiques, mirroring her 2017 exposé on illegal dumping.

Awards and Industry Recognition

While Blundy’s accolades aren’t publicly listed, her career trajectory speaks volumes. Rising from local reporter to AFP’s digital investigation lead in under a decade reflects peer recognition. Her work is frequently cited in academic studies on Asian media, particularly regarding misinformation ecosystems.