Official Bio: Ed Gordon
Hard hitting, inspiring, intelligent, honest, and direct. These are some of the words used to describe the style and approach of Emmy award winning broadcaster Ed Gordon.
Known for his stellar interaction with newsmakers from the worlds of politics, entertainment, and sports, his name is synonymous with the “big” interview.
Gordon’s knack for landing exclusives and his no-nonsense style make him one of television’s most respected journalists. Now, Gordon displays all aspects of his interviewing expertise on BET as the host of "Weekly with Ed Gordon," a fast-paced roundtable talk show that highlights the week’s most important stories from politics to pop culture.
The weekly 30-minute program is a mix of one-on-one headline interviews with today’s top newsmakers and celebrities and an eclectic roundtable discussion.
Gordon also hosts his critically acclaimed, award-winning specials "Conversations with Ed Gordon." This latest assignment marks Gordon’s third stint with BET and adds to the list of impressive positions Gordon has held over the years, including contributing correspondent for the CBS newsmagazine 60 Minutes II and contributor for NBC’s Today Show and Dateline. His diverse style also makes him one of the most versatile people in broadcasting. He also hosted News and Notes with Ed Gordon, which aired on National Public Radio and the nationally syndicated television program, Our World.
Gordon distinguished himself during two prior stints at BET. He had many roles at the network including host of BET Tonight, anchor of BET News, and creator of his signature one-on-one series Conversations with Ed Gordon. Over the years, Gordon has covered many of the world’s most defining events. From the historic 2008 United States Presidential election to the freedom of South Africa’s Nelson Mandela to the beating of Rodney King to upheaval in Haiti and Cuba. He’s also provided comprehensive coverage and up-to-the-minute reports on many other domestic and international affairs, including the tragic September 11th attack on America.
Some of Mr. Gordon’s other notable works that have garnered the admiration and respect of viewers and colleagues include:
· The infamous O.J. Simpson interview
· An exclusive interview with pop superstar Janet Jackson about her secret marriage and painful divorce
· No holds barred, headline making interviews with controversial Senator Trent Lott and embattled singer R. Kelly
Gordon’s impressive portfolio also includes conversations with newsmakers the likes of Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, television mogul Oprah Winfrey, Academy Award winners Jamie Foxx and Halle Berry, as well as Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan and The King of Pop, (the late) Michael Jackson.
His 3-year period at NBC was just as impressive. A contributor to the Today Show and Dateline NBC, Ed Gordon brought viewers face-to-face with many controversial figures, bringing their stories to light. Most notably was his exclusive interview with Autumn Jackson who unsuccessfully waged an explosive patrimony suit against comedian Bill Cosby.
Gordon also covered many of the day’s top stories at NBC’s sister cable network MSNBC. He won praise for his coverage of breaking news events including the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal and the crash of Swiss Air flight 111. Gordon started his broadcasting career in the early 1980’s at the PBS affiliate in Detroit.
Gordon is the creator of “Daddy’s Promise” an initiative that encourages fathers to become deeply involved in the lives of their daughters. The project was born after he wrote a story for Essence magazine (December 2006) describing the close relationship he shares with his daughter, Taylor. The article was so popular it moved the journalist to create this national movement.
In addition to an Emmy, Gordon is the recipient of many other awards recognizing his talent and professionalism. His awards include the NAACP Image Award, as well as the prestigious Journalist of the Year Award from the National Association of Black Journalists. He has also been featured in many national newspapers and periodicals. The Los Angeles Times described Mr. Gordon and his interviewing style, as “forthright and commanding” Gordon is an alumnus of a special list, PEOPLE magazine named him one of its 50 most beautiful people.
Gordon is also president of Ed Gordon Media, a multi-service production company. The Detroit-born Gordon earned his bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political Science from Western Michigan University.