Up Close & Personal Interview With Mr. Michael Oti Adjei, Newly Appointed GM, Digital at Media General.
Sports journalism in Ghana has been graced with some pretty amazing journalists over the past five decades from “ Over to You” Joe Lartey, the riveting Kwabena Yeboah and the enigmatic broadcaster Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah, to the late Christopher Opoku, Lawyer Eva Otchere ( a former sports journalist at JoyFm) , Nathan Quao (Sports Presenter& Journalist at CitiFm) , Gary Al-Smith (Sports Journalist & Presenter at JoyFm) and Michael Oti-Adjei (ex-Group Head, Sports at TV3, Sports Writer). Great personalities who have brought a wide range of local and international sports commentary and content to digital and traditional media platforms in Ghana.
So very often we see sports journalists on our screens covering sporting events in various countries and it seems so exciting and inspirational especially for those who want to pursue a career in sports journalism.
Earlier this weekend, I e-interviewed the newly appointed General Manager, Digital at Media General Mr. Michael Oti-Adjei to share his life and career journey as a sports journalist, ex-Group Head, Sports up until his newest appointment. Be inspired!.
Naa: Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up and how were you as a child?
Mr. Oti-Adjei: I grew up in Accra New Town and spent a significant part of my pre teen years doing everything a child would do. Learning to ride a bike to the anger of parents because streets were too narrow and dangerous, playing tennis, football regularly and that sort of thing. I also did a lot of reading as a child because an enforced spell at home got my mum to buy me books in order to keep me busy and that triggered significant interest so I begun the regular journey to the library in Accra central. I was in shift school so I would spend the time reading before my afternoon shift or go after the morning shift and head home with my mum who sold at makola. New Town also bad a lot newspaper stalls and that helped.
Naa: When did you decide to pursue a career in sports?
Mr. Oti-Adjei: I think mine was more a career in journalism more than sports even though at a point I deviated. I studied science in Pope John Secondary School but the more I spent time in the school library reading newspapers, watching football shows on Monday and football tournaments, the more I became convinced I wanted to be involved in the media side of sports. By the time I completed my SSS program I knew exactly what I wanted and it was to study and practice journalism so I enrolled at GIJ seven months afterwards and was lucky to make it though a strenuous selection process at the first attempt
With Michael Essien in 2005 after a Ghana game
Naa: How did your parents / family take to your career choice?
Mr. Oti-Adjei: Very supportive. My father gave me all the support and assistance he could find in my bid to get into GIJ: past questions for the entrance exams, finding me someone to help me understanding the issues. It was important because as I discovered later in journalism sch, making that choice was not always a popular one in many households. My friend's dad actually told me it was for people who had failed in secondary school but my parents happily backed me and that was important.
“ My friend’s dad actually told me it was for people who had failed in secondary school but my parents happily backed me and that was important.”
In Daegu, South Korea covering the 2011 World Athletics Championship for the BBC
Naa: Who was your favorite Athlete in the 90's and why?
Mr. Oti Adjei: Abedi Pele because he was a Ghanaian doing amazing things in the 90s...multiple Africa player of the year titles and playing and beating some of the best players in the world. I liked Tony Yeboah too a lot because the TV program Football Made in Germany opened my eyes to his exploits in Germany way before he became such a hit in England. I liked Michael Jordan for obvious reasons but was also always fascinated by Scotti Pippen and have always thought the sprinter Carl Lewis is ultra special
Naa: What's your favourite sports movie of all time ?
Mr. Oti Adjei: Invictus. The story of South Africa's 1995 rugby world cup victory in which Morgan Freeman plays Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon is Francois Pinnear. I like it because it provides amazing insight into the power of sports in a way that we far too often ignore
Naa: How have you used social media to tell sports stories?
Mr. Oti Adjei : It's been two fold. It's given me a private channel which means I can put out information, run commentary on the biggest sporting events and any issues I feel free too. In that sense it's been immense in enhancing my reputation as a sports journalist. It's also been a huge amplifier of my works. So whether I am writing for a website, magazine or producing content for TV it's helped me reach new audiences in a unique way.
Last word in the training today: draw a line between wisdom and courage in saying what you want to say and the timing.
— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) June 9, 2020
Perfect.
Naa: When did you first present on a TV Sports program? How did you feel?
Mr. Oti Adjei: My first appearance was as a guest in the build up to a Black Stars match with Carl Tuffour. It was difficult and I was shy half the time. TV presentation was not part of my plan. I was nuts about writing, providing context and background but the more I did those well, the more there was a sense that I could make the transition so I embraced it.
Commentary duties for the BBC world service at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations
Naa: Who's your favourite sports broadcaster in Ghana? What about the world? What is it about them that inspires you?
Mr. Oti Adjei: Easy. Kwabena Yeboah. The longetivity has been amazing but also the amount of work he continues to put in. Been lucky to be exposed to how he works. Top man.
I am also a big fan of Robert Marawa because he has amazing control over his programs and crucially for a broadcaster, finds a very good balance between allowing his guests to freely express themselves while still being able to impose his personality. Another top, top guy.
Naa: What tips can you share about how to conduct a live interview on TV?
Mr. Oti Adjei: My rule is simple: prepare very well and remember the interview is never about you so don't like the sound of your voice more than the guest. And listen well. The best questions come from good preparation and an ability to listen well. With those two, you would always thrive. Even if the interview is unplanned, you should have a body of knowledge from a good reading habbit that would serve you well. That's why reading is non negotiable for anyone wanting to be in this business
Naa: How do you handle social media trolls in your line of work?
Mr. Oti Adjei: Sometimes I ignore, sometimes I respond. Mostly it gets tiring. But every day I become better at dealing with it by simply ignoring. I think the easiest way to deal with it is to understand that it will always be there. You just have to get on with them.
Naa: What is/are the key(s) to success as a sports writer?
Mr. Oti Adjei: It's to be passionate about sports. I know we use the term passionate a lot in life but to be good at sports writing and broadcasting, you really need to be because it demands full attention. You just can't do it if you are not a big sports fan.
Naa: In your opinion how will the Corona virus change / impact the world of sports when restrictions are eased up ?
Mr. Oti Adjei: We are already seeing a few signs...no fans in the stadium a big part of that. I think the biggest impcat though is that it will make television and digital platforms even more powerful tools in sports broadcasting. As more and more people dread big crowds, these channels will become even more important in having to inform, create context and convey the emotions from venues. There are great opportunities in them for everyone involved in the space.
-
Like how are we surrounded by the ocean and water bodies yet seafood is so expensive? Why aren't marine laws being… https://t.co/5zk7EskQEv -
You'd think you've heard it all until..... https://t.co/uRyy2PRrVv
