BiolaAlabi Anchor,FilmmAker,mediAleAder!
Biola Alabi needs absolutely no introduction, as she became a household name when she held the highprofile position of Managing Director for M-Net Africa. Taking a departure from being behind the camera to sitting in front of it, she now currently co-hosts the weekend slot of The Morning Show on Arise news Channel with Fauzi Fahm. A programme which focuses on topics ranging from fashion, beauty, lifestyle, professions, businesses, to world affairs and inspirational stories of ordinary folks, not to mention interviews with celebrities and self-help advisers. Biola is also the Managing Partner of Alabi Media, a consultancy and production company which specializes in content creation. In this interview with Konye Chelsea Nwabogor she talks about the role of women in media and her journey so far
you currently co-present the weekend slot of the Morning show on arise tv, how’s that going?
Co-presenting the weekend slot of The Morning Show on Arise Tv with Fauzi Pham is going great but it’s also different from being a Tv executive where you are operating behind the camera. I was very shy about making the move from behind to being in front of the camera but I am getting more and more comfortable. I have also had the opportunity to interview a lot of amazing and remarkable people.
how much homework do you do before each show?
A lot of preparation goes on before The Morning Show. with my experience from being behind the camera, I understand the need to always be prepared and never leave anything to chance. You also have to make sure that you respect your guests enough to do your research which will enable you have meaningful conversations with them.
What is the most satisfying part of being on the show?
I think one of the most satisfying things for me is the opportunity to meet very amazing people and being able to share their story with the world.
What sets the Morning show apart from other tv shows?
The show’s content is rich, and the focus is on real people making an impact.
Who has been the most interesting person to come on your show and why?
To be honest, every single guest that has been on the show is unique and very interesting; every single person that has come on the show has inspired me.
Where do you see the show in the next few years?
I see the show becoming Nigeria’s most watched breakfast show!
What inspired you to go into media?
My journey into media was totally unplanned. I initially started out studying Medicine but ended up studying Public Health. At the university, I had to take a marketing elective which had a media course – that was where my love for media started.
What were some of the biggest challenges faced when you started biola alabi Media?
I think one of my biggest challenges was building a media company from ground up and creating a structure for the company. Another challenge was building the team, finding the right people and getting them to join you on this vision even when you couldn’t offer them a large salary.
What has been some of the high points and major milestones you’ve recorded in the course of running your own media firm?
One of my high points would definitely be that we have successfully created four seasons of our travel food show, Bukas and joints. Another major milestone for A lot of preparation goes on before The Morning Show. With my experience from being behind the camera, I understand the need to always be prepared and never leave anything to chance. You also have to make sure that you respect your guests enough to do your research which will enable you have meaningful conversations with them. me would be working on our first theatrical film, Banana Island Ghost, which will be in cinemas from August 4th.
how has your firm changed since it launched in light of the changing media landscape?
Biola Alabi Media is still in its second year, so I’ll say we launched as the media landscape was changing. However, our goal is to keep telling authentic, creative, inspirational and unique African stories across television, film and digital publishing platforms. The landscape has enabled companies like ours to contribute to the African narrative.
can you talk about how it relates to the digital space and what sort of projects you would like to work on in the future?
The Internet has allowed for the democratization of content and has allowed a lot of individuals become content creators. Go on YouTube and you would be amazed at the number of stars the platform has created, so we are definitely creating content for all platforms. we believe that Tv, film and digital is all converging, you can’t have one without the other.
Biola Alabi Media will continue to evolve with the times and trends to remain relevant in an ever-changing world and industry, develop content and embark on projects the audience will enjoy and can access easily.
Regarding future projects, we will be creating more content for television and film; in fact, we are already in the preproduction phase of our next movie – it’s a coming of age film.
how do you feel about the current position of women in the media?
I think it’s amazing what women are doing in the media industry in Nigeria. I can’t wait to see more women take advantage of the opportunities in the industry; the industry will be better for it. we have executives, directors, producers, writers and more. we are scaling every sector of the media landscape in Nigeria.
What’s your opinion on mentorship – have you benefitted from it? and what are your thoughts on the value and importance of mentorship, especially amongst women?
I have definitely benefitted from mentorship. I have a group of trusted and respected colleagues and friends; I call them my board of advisers and I get perspectives from them when I need another opinion. I am a strong advocate of mentorship and that was
the reason I started Grooming for Greatness. Grooming for Greatness is a leadership and mentorship programme, we work with youths between ages 28 and 35 and equip them with the skills and tools they need to become leaders through workshops and one-onone mentorship.
if you were starting your career today, how would you navigate it?
I really wouldn’t change a thing. I am a strong believer in destiny and God leading you to exactly where He wants you to be. I also believe all my experiences and relationships led me to this point.
how do you see your own impact on media over the years?
It’s been quite a journey and I am grateful for all the successes I have achieved so far and the lessons I have learned. The media industry globally has grown in the last decade and I am thankful for the opportunities I have had working with different organizations that are committed to making an impact. I worked at Sesame Street, an organization committed to using media as an educational tool for children and at MNeT where we were committed to creating a platform that will allow Africans tell their story in their own voice.
how does a typical workday unfold for you?
A typical day starts with team meetings where we talk strategy and the team gives updates on ongoing projects. After which I respond to emails, make some calls and go into meetings if I have any scheduled. during the day, I respond and deal with issues as they arise.
how do you keep yourself from being spread too thin?
I have a team that I can rely on. I believe in empowering people and giving them the opportunity to lead. I also exercise, eat healthy and make sure I rest when my body demands it.
name three books you’ve read, and would recommend to women in media.
I would recommend these books to anyone in media, but most importantly, women.
• Walt Disney – The Triumph of the American Imagination by Neal Gabler
• Basic Black – The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at work (and in Life) by Cathy Black
• The Hard Things About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
Do you have any advice for young ladies who intend taking up a career in media?
just start. There are so many ways you can put your work out there and just tag anyone on social media. Attend media networking events, be proactive about meeting people and build great relationships as early as you can.
I think it’s amazing what women are doing in the media industry in nigeria. I can’t wait to see more women take advantage of the opportunities in the industry; the industry will be better for it. We have executives, directors, producers, writers and more. We are scaling every sector of the media landscape in nigeria.