Hosam El Sokkari
Media Relations Specialist in London, UK
An award-winning broadcaster, a multimedia journalist and a media relations consultant.
He has extensive experience in print, radio, and television as well as new media platforms. He has been passionately advocating freedom of speech, transparency, democracy, diversity, and tolerance throughout his career.
This commitment is evident in his roles as a columnist, writer, broadcaster, public speaker, and through pioneering initiatives that empower user participation and diversity through innovative application of communication technologies and social media.
His dedication to fostering dialogue has been recognised with prestigious accolades, including a 2023 Globee Award for hosting public debates on his YouTube channel and awards for his BBC program "Noqtat Hewar" (Best Presenter of the Year 2009 and Best Program 2008).
Throughout his career, and while working with renowned international media organisations like Yahoo! Inc. and BBC World Service, he has consistently championed these values:
- He led the "Have Your Say" initiative on the BBC Arabic website:
This ground-breaking initiative offered users a platform to share their perspectives on current events, sparking crucial conversations on critical issues, leveraging the power of the internet to reach a broad audience. - Designed and launched "Noqtat Hewar” (Point for Debate) on the BBC World Service:
A flagship radio program facilitating cross-cultural discussions between Arabs from diverse backgrounds, promoting understanding and challenging stereotypes across boundaries, utilising the reach of radio waves to connect individuals across geographical borders.
Before leaving the BBC in 2010 he further developed and launched the programme as a multi-platform offer. It is still the BBC Arabic flagship programme in the region.
- Conceptualised and presented "710 Greenwich" BBC tv program:
A pioneering initiative that has been often the focus of academic research. The program integrated audience participation in tv production and utilised social media. El Sokkari coined the term "ProdUser" to mark a new type of engagement with the industry.
He remains dedicated to empowering citizens, fostering inclusive dialogue, and promoting a diverse media landscape supported by technological advancements to amplify marginalised voices and foster meaningful debate.