9 Journalism
“Journalism is about bringing people to an event or something that they couldn’t attend.” -Chris Milk
Ginella Massa
Born on January 29, 1987, in Panama to a non-Muslim family, Ginella Massa’s life took a significant turn when she converted to Islam, inspired by her mother’s path 1,2. She’s a Canadian broadcast journalist who earned the Canadian Screen Award 1,3 She’s widely known for being the first woman to anchor a national news program in North America while wearing a hijab.
Beyond journalism, she’s an entrepreneur, a respected media specialist, a popular public speaker, and a prominent figure on social media 3. This is the story of a pioneering journalist and influencer whose life reflects personal and professional changes.
Ginella Massa’s journey to becoming a trailblazing Canadian journalist is one marked by remarkable achievements and personal transformations. Raised in Toronto, she pursued her education diligently, earning an Honours BA in Communication Studies and Sociology from York University, and a Broadcast Journalism Diploma from Seneca College 4. It was during this time that she laid the foundation for her future career in the media.
Ginella began her career as a Video Journalist for CTV News in Kitchener, Ontario, in 2015 3. At this point, she broke new ground, becoming the first hijab-wearing television news reporter in North America 1,3. Her presence on Canadian television screens made headlines, and it was a sign of more historic moments to come. In 2016, she made history once again when she anchored the evening newscast for CityNews in Toronto, Ontario, becoming the first news anchor in a hijab in North America 1. This achievement not only showcased her talent but also shattered barriers in the industry, inspiring others and promoting diversity. Ginella’s journey didn’t stop there. In 2020, she made history once more by becoming the host of “Canada Tonight with Ginella Massa” on CBC News Network, Canada’s national public broadcaster 3. Her show in prime time on a major national network marked another milestone in her career. Ginella Massa’s impact extends beyond the television screen. Her written work has been featured in prestigious publications, including The Globe and Mail, National Post, Chatelaine Magazine, and Refinery29 Canada 4
Today, Ginella Massa stands as a Canadian Screen Award-winning broadcast journalist and media personality with over 13 years of experience in the industry 3. Her remarkable journey from a young student to a groundbreaking anchor and journalist exemplifies the power of determination and breaking barriers. With over 100,000 followers on her social media platforms, Ginella has become an influential figure, using her voice to support causes and collaborate with brands that align with her values. Beyond her work in journalism, she is a sought-after public speaker and a media consultant, sharing her expertise and experiences with others 4. In a significant move in July 2023, Ginella announced her departure from CBC News, choosing to embrace a part-time teaching position at Toronto Metropolitan University 1.
Key Takeaways
Her decision reflects a new chapter in her life, where she’ll inspire and mentor the next generation of journalists, leaving a lasting impact on the field she has forever transformed. Ginella Massa’s journey is not just a personal story of achievement; it’s a story of changing the landscape of Canadian journalism and inspiring countless individuals along the way.
Find out more:
1. Ginella Massa – Wikipedia
How to find them:
Ginella Massa (@itsginellamassa) / X (twitter.com)
Muhammad Lila
Muhammad Lila is a CNN and ABC warzone journalist and international correspondent 1. He works as a global multi-platform correspondent for CNN, where his areas of expertise are strategy and execution. He distributes content across all CNN platforms (TV, social, mobile, and digital), with a focus on utilizing emerging technologies to create new frameworks for audience engagement 2.
He grew up and was born in Toronto 3. South Asian and East African origins make up his parents. He was learning Arabic back in 2012 and speaks Gujarati and English well. He can also hold a conversation in Urdu 4. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from the University of Toronto. He continued on to study journalism at Columbia University Graduate School, where he graduated with an master’s in science 2.
He is an expert at discovering tales of bravery and resiliency in unexpected places, having led teams to some of the most isolated places on earth. He deploys to the front lines of the biggest stories in the world on an average of more than 100 flights per year. He has been invited to a private audience at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s residence, caught in the crossfire of a firefight in Ukraine, and ambushed by the Taliban 1. He gained recognition in 2012 after the Taliban ambushed him and another ABC producer in a remote area of eastern Afghanistan 5.
In 2012, he became the new South Asian Digital Correspondent for ABC News. He worked as an anchor and reporter at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto before joining ABC News. He traveled the world, reporting from the Himalayas, Syria, Haiti, and Mecca, Saudi Arabia, prior to joining ABC. He was also one of the youngest anchors of The Nation, CBC’s premier newscast, at the time. Muhammad Lila worked as an anchor and reporter for CityTV and CP24, two of Toronto’s highest-rated news channels, before coming to CBC News 4.
He began working for CNN in 2016 as a correspondent, leading the coverage of some of the most significant stories in the world and making frequent appearances on AC326; Situation Room; Amanpour; and The Lead. After the Manchester attacks, he was the first foreign correspondent to arrive, providing more than 65 live reports and being nominated for an Emmy in the category of “Best Breaking News Coverage.” Additionally, he has hosted two week-long specials for CNN’s flagship program, “Freedom Project,” in which he goes undercover to free young girls from modern slavery and exposes a global network of human trafficking. CNN International and CNN Worldwide aired both series 1
He is also the CEO of Goodable. With his leadership, Goodable expanded from a mere concept to become one of Canada’s fastest-growing news sources, with a peak monthly audience of over 40 million 6. Goodable is a novel company that uses positive news to improve mental health. Through its channels, it reaches over 40 million people each month, and through partnerships with display screens, it reaches 48 million more 7.
Key Takeaways
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