Meet Miami Abdulal | TV Host and Field Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Miami Abdulal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miami, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I moved to the United States in 2011, fleeing the civil war in my hometown of Syria. Despite being raised in a highly educated family surrounded by doctors and engineers, I always dreamed of a different career. My passion lay in cameras, microphones, and news. As a child, I would use a hairbrush as my microphone and pretend to be a TV host, enlist my sisters and family as guests on my imaginary show”Miami Show.”

The transition to a new country was very challenging for my family, having to rebuild our lives from scratch wasn’t easy at all. As the oldest sibling among three sisters, I felt the weight of responsibility. I constantly worried about the welfare of my family in this new county and wanted to be a successful person and help us move forward.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently employed as an assignment editor at Fox11 News – KTTV, where we oversee the news desk and collaborate with local authorities, including police, sheriff, and fire departments, as well as officials, to gather information about ongoing incidents in our city. This role demands sensitivity, attention, and patience, given the nature of the work. I have a passion for local news and thrive in the fast-paced environment, especially during breaking news events and pursuits (which I’m obsessed with.

I have nearly six years of experience in this capacity, initially spending three years at KABC/ABC7 before transitioning to Fox11. Alongside my broadcast news role, I have been a freelance TV host, presenter, and field producer with Boghos Entertainment and Creative Lab1 for the past five years, where we provide Middle Eastern networks with compelling stories and handle various production needs in the United States. This covers breaking international news, presidential elections, Hollywood events, and red-carpet occasions such as Oscars and Golden Globes. I have had the opportunity to cover the Golden Globes for two consecutive years and have produced over 100 segments and TV episodes.

During my journey, I was often told I couldn’t make it as an Arab in this industry. But I believed in myself and worked hard to get where I am today, thanks to everyone who helped me approach this dream. It wasn’t easy starting over in a new country after fleeing war, especially having to learn English for a job that requires professionalism and lots of vocabulary. Despite the challenges, I never gave up and I believed in myself.

The lesson is to never give up and believe that you can fly, and the limit is the sky! Don’t let anyone judge you or decide your future for you. Success is never easy, but what doesn’t come easily will last.

I dream of having my own TV show that impacts people’s lives, much like Oprah’s did.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I didn’t expect this question, but it’s fun!

Well, I’ll definitely start by visiting the main landmarks: Hollywood Blvd, Griffith Observatory, The Getty Center, and Rodeo Drive. I will not forget to explore the magical coastlines of Malibu, Newport, and Laguna Beach.

Now, let’s talk about the most important thing: FOOD!

We’ll visit Cafe’ on 27 in Topanga, Queen Violet WeHo, Alcove in Los Feliz, and Little Arabia in Anaheim for the best Mediterranean food and desserts in town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe the biggest shoutout to my family, who believed in my dreams and the future I envisioned for myself.

I’m grateful to have many wonderful people in my life and career whom I consider mentors, colleagues, friends and family. I want to give a special thanks to Norco College and the EOPS program for helping me take my first steps toward my dream. They supported me even when I doubted myself as an immigrant who didn’t speak English before.

Each one of the following individuals played a big role in my career and gave me an opportunity that helped me move forward and helped me succeed,

George Attalla
Chris Karadjov
Michelle Hedman
Christina Heller
Andrew Gutierrez
Mico Saad
Shant Markarian
Saif Alshareef

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiabdulalofficial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miami-abdulal/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/miami_abdulal

Image Credits
Fox 11 – KTTV Creative Lab 1 Marla Tellez / Elex Michaelson