Six weeks — that’s how long Europe had before running out of jet fuel, according to an exclusive report by Paris-based correspondent John Leicester that quickly reverberated around the world.
Leicester secured rare access to International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol after persistent outreach, beating out hundreds of competing interview requests. He made the case that the AP could deliver Birol’s message to a global audience — and followed through with a wide-ranging, all-formats interview at a pivotal moment during the energy shock triggered by the Iran war.
The reporting combined strong writing with high-quality visuals. Video journalists Nicolas Garriga and Oleg Cetinic filmed the interview using a three-camera setup, while senior producer Jeffrey Schaeffer created multiple edits tailored for different platforms. Photojournalist Michael Euler captured dynamic images of Birol speaking in his office overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
Leicester and the team quickly identified the global implications of Birol’s warning about jet fuel shortages and potential flight disruptions. They moved fast to tailor coverage for different regions, ensuring key comments reached audiences in Asia and Europe ahead of major news cycles. The reporting gained traction quickly, with airlines and European Union officials responding publicly as the story spread.
The story became one of AP’s most-read pieces of the week, widely cited by other outlets and discussed across broadcast and digital platforms.
Judges praised the story’s international reach, strong sourcing and high production value across formats.
For an enterprising scoop with deep global impact, John Leicester wins this week’s Best of AP — First Winner.
