BBC Sports Presenter | Award winning Journalist | Communications Specialist
Hi, my name is George Addo Jr., and I'm a Ghanaian sports journalist with extensive experience in covering sports globally, including Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the rest of the world. I've worked with several leading media brands, such as BBC World Service, Super Sport, Talk Sport, DW TV, SABC, and VOA, creating and developing sports content for audiences in Ghana, Africa, and around the world through storytelling, features, and documentaries.
I attended Presbyterian Boys Secondary School between 2000 - 2003 and later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Linguistics from the University of Ghana, Legon. In 2008, I obtained an ICAG Part II Certificate from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana. I started my journalism career while at the University, working at Radio Universe as a Radio Sports presenter and commentator before joining Multimedia Group of companies. At Multimedia, I worked at JoyNews TV and Joy FM radio as a sports presenter hosting various sports shows, including Joy Sports Center, LockerRoom on Joy 99.7FM, Touchline on JoyNews, and Hitz Sports Update on Hitz 103.9FM. I have covered several football tournaments such as 5 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (AFCON), 2 Euro Tournaments including the EURO 2020, 5 UEFA Champions League Seasons, 3 FIFA World Cup Tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and 7 Ghana Premier League seasons, providing in-depth football commentary. In the world of Athletics, I have provided full coverage for the Multimedia Group Ltd at several World Athletics events. In March 2023, I was appointed as the Director of Communications for Coach Hene Sports Club in the UK, providing strategic direction in dealing with the media, corporations, stakeholders, and the wider public in the UK and abroad. I also recently joined the BBC in Salford as a football reporter. I've won several awards, including the National and Regional awards scheme Sports Host of the Year, the National Regional and awards scheme - Sports Host of the Year and Commentator of the year, and Best Sport Journalist for promoting the Ghana Premier League in 2014. I was also nominated for the PAV Ansah Communications Award under the prestigious EMY Africa Awards scheme.
I am thrilled to be a part of the BBC team. While it is a dream come true to join such a prestigious organization, my main focus is on making an impact and providing a unique platform for telling the African story. Even before my time at Radio Univers, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in broadcasting, inspired by the likes of Matthew Kenyon at the BBC. Back at home, I would even lock my siblings in a room and make them listen to me practice reading the news or hosting a mock sports show. My time at Radio Univers and Joyfm were crucial building blocks that have led me to this point in my career. With hard work and faith, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the field of broadcasting.I believe that the African narrative is often misrepresented or overlooked in mainstream media, and I am passionate about changing that.
Through my work at the BBC, I hope to shed light on important stories and issues from across the continent and showcase the diverse perspectives of its people. I also believe in the power of storytelling and the role it plays in shaping our understanding of the world. As a journalist, I strive to tell stories that not only inform, but also inspire and challenge people to think differently.
I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have brought me to this point, and I am excited for what the future holds. I look forward to continuing to grow and learn as a journalist and making a positive impact in the world through my work.
What were the biggest initial hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?
BBC has welcomed me with open arms. I was fortunate enough to work as an official contributor in various roles for BBC Sports before relocating to Manchester, and their treatment of me has been exceptional. The BBC is committed to inclusivity and building a culture where everyone sees themselves represented, feels empowered to do their best work, achieve their career goals, and flourish. As a result, I haven't faced any issues. I've had the pleasure of meeting my colleague Daniel Dadzie, along with many other top professionals and African journalists from around the world. It's a fantastic environment to be in.
What advice do you have for young people locally and internationally who are just starting out in their careers or pursuing their passions?
As a journalist, my advice to young professionals is to be diligent and hardworking. Our job is to provide a platform for unheard voices and stories in a unique way while remaining balanced and upholding the highest journalistic standards. However, I believe that staying true to yourself and your values, and in my case, sticking to my faith in God, has made all the difference in achieving success in this field.
Social Media Handles:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/addojunr?lang=en
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