Business to Business Exchange, Luncheon Speaker, Ed Gordon, Broadcaster & Host of Our World with Black Enterprise

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, as host of Our World with Black Enterprise, Gordon gets to display all aspects of his interviewing expertise. The weekly 30-minute program is a mix of one-on-one headline interviews with today’s top newsmakers and celebrities, an eclectic roundtable discussion and profiles of some of the world’s most intriguing people. This latest assignment just 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. Mr. Gordon’s 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.

Gordon distinguished himself during two 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 Conversation with Ed Gordon. Over the years, Gordon has covered many of the world’s most defining events. From the freedom of South Africa’s Nelson Mandela to the beating of Rodney King to upheaval in Haiti and Cuba he provided comprehensive coverage. Mr. Gordon also provided 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 television mogul Oprah Winfrey, President Bill Clinton, Academy Award winners Jamie Foxx and Halle Berry, as well as Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan.

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 days 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. Mr. Gordon started his broadcasting career in the early 1980’s at the PBS affiliate in Detroit.

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 the Gordon Media Group, a multi-service production company. The Detroit-born Gordon earned his bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political Science from Western Michigan University.