Besa Gordon, known for “The Rewind with Besa”,  teams up with Angela Poe Russell to create a new TV experience that elevates culture and community.

All hail Besa Gordon the Pop Culture Queen of Converge Media as she ascends to the next level of her skyrocketing career with the announcement of her new show Back2Besa premiering July 1st on FOX 13, FOX 13+ and the FOX 13 Mobile App.

Back2BESA is an engaging and informative weekly show that highlights the latest trends, celebrates inspiring stories and features interviews with notable people. It’s anticipated to be the most unique and uplifting hour on Local TV.

For Besa, who was born and raised in the Central District of Seattle, Back2Besa is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“What's crazy is I’ve imagined this moment since I was a little girl. But for the longest time I thought I would have to change who I was to get here,” explained Gordon. “But after coming to Converge almost three years ago and not being asked to change anything about me and Converge actually celebrating and uplifting my Blackness and my authentic self and at the same time my career growing right before my eyes reaffirmed that I belong in any and every space as my authentic self.”  

Based on many conversations, Gordon knew Fox would be the right fit. They loved her style  and gave Gordon and Executive Producer Angela Poe Russell full control of show production. 

“I’m truly thankful to the team at FOX 13 for understanding that authenticity was very important for me and giving space for me to be myself. I hope all of the little girls that turn on FOX 13 and see Back2BESA immediately have the thoughts of not only representation but also genuine authenticity and empowerment in being themselves.”

Yesterday, Gordon appeared across FOX 13 programming to discuss the new show. She spoke on Good Day Seattle and Studio Live, showcasing not only her innovative content ideas but also her magnetic onscreen presence. During the appearances, she told the story of meeting Russell and building out the show.

There is a saying that God’s time is always on time and timing was everything in how Besa teamed up with Executive Producer Angela Poe Russell. Gordon had been searching for some time for an EP with no success and had reached a point of discouragement when one day while scrolling IG she saw that Russell had just left  KING 5  and Gordon knew  Russell was exactly what the show needed. 

“First thing I did was set up a meeting with Angela to see if she would be a good fit. I knew deep down she would be and I was right.  We immediately hit it off and I felt like I had known her my whole life”. 

For those who don’t know, Angela Poe Russell is an Emmy and National Gracie Award Winning Journalist. Most recently, Russell co-hosted and co-produced the award-winning lifestyle and entertainment show ‘Evening’ on KING 5 in Seattle. She also hosted and helped launch the TV show Take 5, which won an Edward R. Murrow Award for Innovation.

In bringing the show to life, Russell said that the vibe of the show will match Gordon’s high energy and positive personality. 

“In developing Back2Besa, it was really important to capture Besa’s authenticity, high energy, and fun personality, while also making space for her to explore pressing social issues,” explained Russell. “Whether she’s interviewing a politician, a local business owner or a teen, Besa is passionate about using her platform to uplift people who are making an impact. I’m really excited about this powerhouse collaboration that will offer something new and uplifting for northwest viewers.”

In every episode Besa will embark on adventures to try new things with special celebrity guests in #NeverHaveIEver, feature youth voices in Youth UNFILTERED!, and showcase Pacific Northwest culture as she brings in youth and young adult viewership across the region and beyond. She’ll also highlight the most exciting events across the region in Events You Should Know About, and bring them behind the scenes to sporting events, concerts and more in Backstage Pass. The show will also feature segments from the HITS 106.1 studios as well as exclusive contests, giveaways, and all access opportunities for HITS 106.1 listeners. 

“Over the last two plus years I have had the honor and privilege to see Besa grow and thrive in her purpose both on and off the set. She works exceptionally hard and has never stopped innovating and creating since her arrival. I for one look forward to leading the studio production crew on Back2Besa as we mix our Converge style with FOX13's viewership and HITS 106.1’s reach,” Converge Media’s Head of Production Alaia D’Alessandro said.

Besa is especially passionate about engaging young viewers. The youth right now are the truth right now and Gordon, who is currently holding down the 7pm-12am week night slot on Seattle’s HITS 106.1, is already a radio favorite amongst youth and young adults across Western Washington. Through both her radio work and her show The Rewind With Besa, Gordon has evolved as a leading credible information source for youth and young adults across the region. Back2Besa seeks to take that audience with her to FOX 13.

For more information or to advertise with the show, email Back2Besa@whereweconverge.com

Photos above were taken by Seattle photographer Brit (@badbritbrit on Instagram)

About Back2Besa:
Back2BESA is an engaging and informative weekly show that highlights the latest trends, celebrates inspiring stories, and features interviews with notable people.

The hour-long show, airing on Fox 13 and Fox 13 +, is the place where you can explore a different side of the Pacific Northwest and the people who make it special.

Back2Besa is expected to be the most unique and uplifting hour on Local TV! Join us each week for a dose of positivity and inspiration that's sure to make your week better! 

The show will feature entertaining, uplifting, and internet-ready moments and segments, including Youth UNFILTERED!, #NeverHaveIEver, Events To Know About, and Backstage Pass. 

Youth UNFILTERED!: Besa is passionate about using the powerful platform of local TV to engage young people on issues that impact them and the broader community. In the weekly segment Youth UNFILTERED, Youth will have 90 seconds to talk about something they think people need to know. 
#NeverHaveIEver: This popular game comes to life on Back2Besa. Besa invites a notable figure in the community to do something they've never done. While taking this challenge, they discuss issues that audiences will find relatable and relevant. 

Events to Know About: Besa always has the scoop on the hottest events happening around the Seattle/Tacoma area and makes it a point for her audience to know about these hot events also.
Backstage Pass: Takes people where they typically can't go. Go with Besa to the exciting games, concerts, and theatres as she brings what people normally can't see into the forefront