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 will take over presenting duties from Monday 6th May. Femi has been based in the US since 1999 and spent nine years anchoring and reporting for CNN in Atlanta. She was host for the programme Inside Africa, which she also helped launch. For the last five years she has been a senior editor and host at the largest NPR affiliate in the US, WNYC.
The Stream is billed as a social media community with its own television show. It’s 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 Talkshow. It also received an Emmy nomination last year for New Approach to News and Documentary Programming.
Femi commented on her new role: “I’ve 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.”
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. In 2007 Femi Oke's work in Africa was recognized by The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Communications Agency with the presentation of the African Achievers Award 2007. Femi was also named Nigerian media personality of the year in 2007 and picked up the Interaction media award in 2008 for her commitment to broadcasting the complex issues of Africa.
For more on The Stream, please visit http://stream.aljazeera.
Follow Femi Oke on Twitter @FemiOke.
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