In this episode, Media & Marketing Show host, Hasanain Abdullah engages with seasoned media journalist, Crystal Orderson.
Crystal Orderson’s Bio:
Is a South Africa journalist, editor, media executive and lecturer, she has 25 years industry experience. She has worked for SABC, ENCA and Al Jazeera.
Her beat included the covering of socio-economic, political news across Southern Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
She has a MA from the University of Sussex in gender, media and development, BA Hons University of Cape Town 2001, gender and transformation in Africa.She has an involved with Primedia’s Cape Talk where she talks about the issues affecting the African continent.
Currently she is an Executive producer at AJ +, the stations’ global digital news platform.
The discussion touched on the following:
The African Lens touched on the reporting on the nuances and complexities of news on the African continent. Her reporting is told in a fashion that portrays African in a balanced view that has an optimistic outlook. Furthermore, a theme was explored when Crystal was posed the question of what is the barrier that is standing in the way of Africa’s progress, and what role can the media play in removing this barrier. This was a general comment that the world media portrays Africa in an “Afro pessimistic” view.
Crystal reflected on her role as an executive producer at AJ+, Al Jazeera’s global digital news platform, and how her traditional broadcast supported AJ’s digital content strategy.
Talking about the many hats and roles that Crystal filled, as part-time lecturer, MC and panel discussion moderator.
Being a media journalist and keeping the government and powers that be to account is a dangerous job. Journalists face death threats and are assassinated, as is the case in Gaza. The discussion touched on a report, where political commentator, Tara Roos faced hateful comments due to her reporting on a news piece.
