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 interactions with newsmakers from the worlds of politics, entertainment, and sports; the veteran journalist is the president of Ed Gordon Media, a multi-service production company. Gordon is a CBS News contributor. He covered the 2024 presidential election for the network. He also served as a special correspondent for the BET/CBS News program, America in Black. The newsmagazine premiered in February of 2023.
In July of 2024. Gordon conducted a headline-making interview with embattled President Joe Biden. Five days after the interview, Biden would announce he would not seek a second term. In 2020, Gordon authored his first book, Conversations in Black. In the best-selling book, Gordon interviewed over 40 leaders and influencers for a “virtual” conversation about the state of Black America. He currently hosts the nationally syndicated radio program, Weekend with Ed Gordon. The two-hour show features celebrity interviews and music. It’s been called “a fun, smart radio show for grown folks.” Gordon served as host and executive producer of Ed Gordon, an hour-long quarterly newsmagazine on Bounce TV. The program’s highlights included an emotional interview with the Mothers of the Movement; a group of women whose children had been killed by senseless violence. Other segments included a profile of powerhouse Congresswoman Maxine Waters and exclusive interviews with comedian Steve Harvey, R&B singer Maxwell, and the cast of the hit-movie, Girls Trip. Gordon became well-known and critically-acclaimed during two stints at BET.
He had many roles at the network, including: anchor of BET News, and host of BET Tonight. Gordon also anchored BET’s coverage of the 2012 presidential election, Barack Obama’s second inauguration, Nelson Mandela’s funeral from South Africa and the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington. He also created, hosted and executive produced his signature series, Conversation with Ed Gordon. The program allowed Gordon to bring newsmakers and celebrities up-close and personal with viewers. Over the years, guests have included: Oprah Winfrey, Sidney Poitier, Whitney Houston, Kevin Hart and Whoopi Goldberg, among many others. He later took the show into national syndication. He’s also been a contributing correspondent for the CBS News show 60 Minutes II, a contributor for NBC’s Today Show and Dateline, the host of NPR’s News and Notes with Ed Gordon, an MSNBC anchor and host of the nationally syndicated television programs Our World and Weekly with Ed Gordon on PBS. Gordon’s impressive interview portfolio includes conversations with: Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Academy Award winners Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, and Halle Berry.
Other stellar interviews include: Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan, and superstars Michael Jackson, Beyoncé. He has covered many of the world’s most defining events throughout his career including: the tragic murder of George Floyd, the historic 2008 US presidential election, the freedom of South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, the beating of Rodney King, and upheavals in Haiti and Cuba.
Gordon has also provided comprehensive coverage and up-to-the-minute reports on many other domestic and international events, including the horrific 9/11 attacks on America and the worldwide Covid pandemic. Some of Gordon’s other notable works that have garnered the admiration and respect of viewers and colleagues alike include: the infamous O. J. Simpson interview; an exclusive interview with pop superstar Janet Jackson about her secret marriage and painful divorce; interviews with controversial senator Trent Lott and embattled singer R.Kelly and the critically acclaimed one-on-one with Tupac Shakur (often noted as the rapper’s definitive interview). During the 2017 National Association of Black Journalists convention Gordon made headlines himself after a fiery interview with White House staffer Omarosa Manigault Newman went viral. In addition to receiving an Emmy for his work, Gordon is the recipient of many other awards recognizing his talent and professionalism, including the NAACP Image Award and the prestigious Journalist of the Year Award from the National Association of Black Journalists.
Signature Talks
Conversations That Change the World: The Power of Truth in Journalism
With decades of experience interviewing presidents, cultural icons, and everyday heroes, Ed Gordon shares what he’s learned about the art of asking the hard questions—and listening for the real answers. This talk explores how truth-telling and authentic conversations can shape public opinion, spark social change, and build trust in a world of noise and misinformation.
- The art of asking impactful questions that reveal deeper truths.
- How meaningful dialogue can bridge divides and inspire progress.
- Lessons from his most memorable interviews with leaders and legends.
From Obama to Beyoncé: Lessons from Conversations with History Makers
Having interviewed world leaders, legendary entertainers, and cultural icons, Ed Gordon takes audiences behind the scenes of some of his most unforgettable conversations. He reveals the common threads that define greatness, resilience, and influence—and how we can all apply these lessons to our personal and professional lives.
- What high-profile figures teach us about leadership, resilience, and authenticity.
- How to translate celebrity and political wisdom into everyday impact.
- Inspiring stories from once-in-a-lifetime interviews.
The Black Experience in America: Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, Where We’re Going
Drawing from his best-selling book Conversations in Black and years of reporting on pivotal events—from Rodney King to George Floyd—Ed Gordon provides an unflinching, insightful look at the state of Black America. This talk inspires reflection and action by combining history, journalism, and lived experience.
- Get real-world insight into overcoming systemic challenges in corporate spaces
- Perspectives from thought leaders, activists, and change-makers.
- How communities and organizations can contribute to a more just future.
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