In the dynamic world of journalism, few figures stand out as brilliantly as Del Irani. An Australian journalist with a rich cultural heritage, Irani has carved a niche for herself on the global stage, anchoring “Deeper Look from New York” on NHK World-Japan and co-hosting the popular Australian ABC lifestyle show “Escape From The City”. Her career is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability to bridge diverse cultures through media.
Early Life and Education of Del Irani
Born in Mumbai, Del Irani’s journey began when she immigrated to Australia with her family at the tender age of eight. Growing up on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, she was exposed to a vibrant blend of cultures, which would later become a cornerstone of her journalistic endeavors.
Irani pursued a double degree in Commerce and Science in Psychology from the University of New South Wales, completing her final year at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley on a study abroad scholarship. This diverse educational background provided her with a unique perspective on the world, blending analytical skills with a deep understanding of human behavior.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Prominence
Del Irani’s career took flight as a field producer, where she worked on programs for Fox News, CBS, and Channel News Asia. Her assignments took her across the globe, including stints in Bermuda, Panama, Belgium, and Dubai. In 2006, she joined Thomson Reuters as a business journalist intern, working for Times Now, a 24-hour English news channel in India.
Her exceptional skills soon saw her hosting the nightly international news broadcast, Reuters World Report, covering significant events such as Barack Obama’s 2008 U.S. presidential election victory, Pervez Musharraf’s impeachment in Pakistan, and the Mumbai terror attacks.
A Pivotal Role at BBC World News
Irani’s prowess caught the attention of BBC World News, where Del Irani was hired as a Mumbai correspondent in 2009. She quickly rose through the ranks to become the anchor of India Business Report.
During her tenure at the BBC, she provided live coverage of pivotal events, including the trial of the lone surviving gunman in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Del Irani’s in-depth reporting and engaging presentation style earned her a reputation as a trusted voice in international journalism.
Contributions to Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
In May 2012, Del Irani returned to Australia, joining ABC News as a reporter. By 2015, she had become a vital part of the ABC News Breakfast team, delivering insightful business and finance news alongside anchors Michael Rowland and Virginia Trioli.
From 2013 to 2016, she co-created and anchored the award-winning talk show #TalkAboutIt, addressing pressing social issues and engaging with the public in meaningful conversations. The show garnered critical acclaim and earned Irani and her co-producers an Australian National Press Club’s Higher Education Media Award for an episode on international students.
Fact-Checking and Reality TV
In 2017, Irani was appointed Fact Check Anchor for RMIT ABC Fact Check, where she produced and hosted videos evaluating the accuracy of claims made by public figures. Her role in debunking misinformation was highlighted by a viral response to a question about same-sex marriage by Australia Federal MP Bob Katter.
In 2019, she expanded her repertoire by co-hosting “Escape From The City”, an Australian adaptation of the BBC’s “Escape to the Country”. The show, which debuted on ABC primetime, showcases her versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Anchoring “Deeper Look from New York”
After relocating to the United States, Del Irani took on the role of host for “Deeper Look from New York” on NHK World-Japan. The weekly news program features in-depth interviews with experts on U.S. and international topics, delving into politics, economics, and cultural issues.
Since its premiere in April 2020, the show has featured notable guests like journalist and author Walter Isaacson and renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, solidifying Irani’s status as a global journalistic force.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Despite her demanding career, Del Irani remains deeply committed to social causes. In October 2020, she was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for World Vision Australia, aiming to inform and educate people about the organization’s work and encourage public involvement.
Her dedication to humanitarian efforts is further exemplified by her role as a regular moderator for the United Nations, hosting regional conferences for the International Labour Organization.
Irani also served as a board member for the Western Bulldogs Football Club’s Community Foundation, where she contributed to community engagement and development initiatives.
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