INTERNATIONAL broadcaster Femi Oke has been revealed as the new host of Al Jazeera English’s hit social media show, The Stream. The former BBC, Sky and CNN journalist took over presenting duties from 6 May.
The Stream is designed as a social media community with its own television show. It has received critical acclaim since its launch in 2011, winning the Royal Television Society’s award for Innovation, a Webby People’s Choice Award for News and Politics, and a Gracie for Outstanding News Talk-show and also received an Emmy nomination last year for New Approach to News and Documentary Programming.
Paul Eedle, Director of Programmes at Al Jazeera English, said: “The Stream continues to be a great success for us, and is pulling in ever greater audiences online and on air. Femi’s style is warm and inclusive so she’s perfect for the interactivity of the show.”
Femi describes herself as British-Nigerian, born in London to Nigerian parents. Commenting on her new role, Femi says that she has been watching The Stream since it first came on air, because it was so different from anything else on international television. “I loved how it responded to the explosion of social media, used Skype and Google Hangouts not just as back-ups like a lot of programmes do, but as a genuine way to connect with viewers. I must admit watching from my laptop in New York I was amazed and a little jealous. Here was a show that ‘got’ social media, had a young engaged audience, covered the news, and a broad range of topics in way that made current affairs fresh and exciting,” she stated.
The Nation
No comments:
Post a Comment