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Celebrated broadcaster Ed Gordon visits alma mater

Oct. 6, 2006

KALAMAZOO--Veteran broadcaster Ed Gordon, who for two decades has covered many of the nation's top news stories for national radio and television networks, will return to his alma mater, Western Michigan University, to speak to a campus audience Friday, Oct. 13.

In a noontime presentation in Room 3502 of Knauss Hall, Gordon will talk about "The Politics of Participation: Engaging Minorities and the Disenfranchised in the 21st Century." The free public lecture is the keynote address for the centennial celebration of WMU's School of Communication.

Gordon, who earned his bachelor's degree in communication and political science from WMU in 1982, is the host of a weekly, nationally syndicated news and talk show called "Our World with Black Enterprise." The Emmy-award-winning broadcaster has been a reporter for NBC's "Today Show" and "Nightline," CBS' "60 Minutes II" and National Public Radio. He also was host of NPR's "News and Notes with Ed Gordon."

The Detroit native is best known for his headline-making interviews with such newsmakers as Nelson Mandela, President Bill Clinton, President George H.W. Bush, Sen. Trent Lott, Sen. John Kerry, Oprah Winfrey and O.J. Simpson. He has covered national and international events ranging from political elections to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the death of Princess Diana of Great Britain.

Gordon's career, which began in Detroit at a PBS affiliate, has included two stints at BET where he served as host of "BET Tonight," anchor of "BET News" and creator of his signature one-on-one series, "Conversation with Ed Gordon." Repeatedly lauded for his achievements in the profession, he has been honored with the NAACP Image Award, as well as the Journalist of the Year designation from the National Association of Black Journalists.

In addition to being host of "Our World with Black Enterprise," Gordon is president of Gordon Media Group, a multiservice production company.

For additional information about Gordon's visit, contact Dr. Julie Apker, assistant professor of communication, at (269) 387-3140.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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