Team

The channel is headed by Paula Slier, a renowned media professional who has worked in the industry for over 30 years as a channel head, news editor, war and foreign correspondent, and anchorwoman. She is the founder and CEO of Newshound Media International. She has been named the Southern Africa winner in the media category of Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government Awards, having twice been recognised as one of the most influential women in her native South Africa.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has on two separate occasions awarded her for her ‘colossal input into the development of Russian journalism and for her professionalism in covering issues of paramount importance.’ In the past, she headed RT’s Africa and Middle East operations.

Zimbabwean-born Trevor Bester is the CEO of BGTN. With more than 15 years of experience in the media industry, his expertise also includes business and financial analysis, industry knowledge and leadership. Trevor has worked in 53 African countries and lived in 19 of them. For the past 11 years he has worked in east Africa on behalf of the United Nations. He is an expert in security and government relations and is a contributing member to PROSAK (Protective and Safety Association of Kenya), Security Directors Forum and East Africa Security Forum. Before joining BGTN, Trevor was the CEO of RT Africa where he oversaw the expansion and transformation of the network into a multi-language, multi-platform and multi-format media outlet.