Powerhouse correspondent, host, and award-winning Producer, Aliya-Jasmine Sovani is the new host of NBC’s premiere digital talk show “The Cycle.” Shaking up the news world by providing a fresh perspective through a digital-only medium, “The Cycle” will tantalize taste buds of viewers with their millennial take on the “The Daily Show” meets ”Vice.”
NBC aims to bring news in a new format made specifically for millennials with their new digital program “The Cycle.” As the host, Aliya-Jasmine takes control of this unique online platform and delivers news that covers everything from the entertainment industry, to breaking national and international news, and everything in-between. Taking full advantage of the digital and broadcast era, “The Cycle” will also air on 12 NBC national affiliate channels.
Beverly Hills Magazine: When did you discover your talent for hosting?
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani: When MTV launched in Canada I started there as a producer. About 6-7 years into my career, I was living in Toronto. The Executive Producer asked me if I would try “on-camera” interviews. It was the coolest moment for me because I realized that I could have full creative control. It was new to me, because I usually wore baseball caps and lived in the editing room, but I got he opportunity to write almost 100% of the shows I produced.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What makes “The Cycle” unique?
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani: We are trying to make it as authentic as possible. We are telling the news as if we are casually hanging out with friends. We have a segment called the Left, Right, and The Truth. We take research very seriously so it’s factually accurate but we keep it as fun as possible too. It’s the first time the news has targeted young people who don’t have cable. It’s not repurposed content for digital mediums. The show is fresh and original content just for digital audiences. It’s the news delivered at your fingertips. Younger audiences are seeking a new voice in news that can be trusted, and we hope to become that voice.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani: One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had was when I was a reporter for the Discovery Channel. After the earthquake in Haiti I got to be on the ground in the wake of all the devastation. It was overwhelming, but I realized how strong the human spirit truly is. I witnessed how the Haitian people, despite their tragedy, they still woke up every day, stood united, and had the joy enough to sing. Just amazing!
Beverly Hills Magazine: What is the most challenging part?
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani: I actually love the challenges which are being informed and staying on top of the facts. I love the research. I adore breaking news! It messes with your work-life balance, because if I want to be alone with family, and a story breaks, I have to be there. It’s the most challenging and the most rewarding.
Beverly Hills Magazine: If you had one wish, what would it be?
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani: I would want to bring my parents back to their home country of Uganda. They left during war, but I would love to bring them back. They have these incredible memories, but they hesitate to return because they left under duress. That would be a wish come true for me. I’m hoping to get them back one day.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Have you discovered a personal purpose, in what you do?
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani: When I moved to LA, I was working at BRAVO and E News! I was at MTV news before that for 10 year so I wore many hats. I loved the opportunity to work in TV and tell stories. I’m passionately curious. I realized though that for the first time in my career, I was surrounded by the best of the best in the business. They are so passionate about their work. I said to myself, “I want to be this passionate about what I’m doing.” It was a huge awakening for me. I told my boss, I need to take some time to figure out what stories I wanted to tell with passion. I took a few months off….Walked to the beach, wrote journals every day, and I did some major introspection. I discovered my passion for environmental journalism. I can tell really important stories about what is happening in the world and bring it to the mass stream media. There’s a great quote by Rumi that really helped me at that time.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What makes “The Cycle” unique?
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani: It’s a daily 10 minute show. It’s very casual and it’s not pushing left or right. It’s a neutral voice. We really wanted a new show that is interesting to our generation, in their 20’s and 30’s. In a country that is more divided, we will hold to respecting differing viewpoints. It’s taking out the b.s and just educating in a cool, unique, and conversational way. We really want to bridge the divide and our segment the Left, the Right, and The Truth will present world news in a non-offensive way that gives understanding to both sides of our audience.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What advice would you give to other aspiring TV hosts and producers?
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani: What I wish some had told me, “Pick your niche and become an expert in that.” There is nothing more respected in this industry than being an expert at it.
A heavyweight Producer in news, entertainment, sports, and documentaries, Aliya-Jasmine has earned her incredibly well-rounded career, with several years as a producer/writer at E! News, an on-air host for E! News, plus shows for Bravo and Logo TV. Fueled by a passion for advocacy on environmental issues, Aliya-Jasmine has hosted and produced documentaries in Sudan, Tanzania, the Great Bear Rainforest, as-well-as coverage on the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Raised by her East African refugee mother and father in the small town of Barrhaven, Canada, Aliya-Jasmine grew up watching her mom help other widowed refugee women learn English and adapt in a new country. This upbringing had a great impact on Aliya-Jasmine and her future philanthropic aspirations.
Aliya-Jasmine’s resume speaks for itself, working and creating documentaries and television shows including covering the 2010 Haiti earthquake with Discovery Channel, as well as producing shows such as “Much On Demand,” “Much Music,” and “Impact.”
We won’t be surprised to see her become one of the most trusted voices in world news. Cheers to the next generation!
(Images By Bobby Quillard)
