Roger’s ability to articulate complex topics with clarity and a touch of humour makes him a sought-after speaker, conference chair and moderator. He is noted for his challenging and humorous style, as well as his depth of knowledge. He has delivered keynotes for organisations including the United Nations, the CBI, The Economist, and the European Commission.
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Roger Harrabin | Early Career
Roger began his career on the Coventry Evening Telegraph. He developed a specialism reporting on the city’s ethnic minority population, who were previously largely ignored in the media. He won a prize at the 1980 British Press Awards for his original series tracing the roots of Coventry Asians back to India and Pakistan.
He joined Thames Television as a news producer while also freelancing for several years as a Saturday sports sub-editor for the News of the World and the Sunday Mirror. He also worked for BBC Radio London and it was while working here that he revealed how the Met Police was training its riot control officers using Romany Army tactics.
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Roger Harrabin | Environmental Analyst
Roger had already been working for the BBC when, in 2004, they created the position of Environment Analyst allowing him to work across all BBC media platforms (television, radio and online) as a journalist and presenter.
His quest for impartiality led him to broadcast two three-part series on Radio 4 tackling the risks and uncertainties in climate science and technology. His reporting on new topics has often been trend-setting – he was, for instance, the first mainstream reporter to highlight the central role that energy would play in the environment.
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Roger Harrabin | Beyond Journalism
As well as being a highly respected journalist, Roger is also an Honorary lifetime fellow of St Catharine’s Cambridge, an Associate Fellow of Green College Oxford and Wolfson College, Cambridge, and holds an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Cranfield University for his work on the environment.
Roger’s influence extends beyond journalism; he has helped guide the BBC’s approach to climate coverage, often emphasising the need for balanced, accurate reporting that avoids sensationalism while highlighting the urgency of the environmental crisis. His work has been widely recognized, and he remains a significant figure in climate and environmental journalism.
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Roger Harrabin | Speaker, Chair and Moderator
Throughout his career, Roger has explored the increasing impact of environmental issues on both domestic and international politics, as well as on business and society. His presentations are filled with captivating and often humorous stories, making them equally engaging whether delivered after dinner or during daytime sessions.
In addition, he is a seasoned conference chair and moderator, skilled in facilitating events on a wide variety of topics. Known for his sharp wit, engaging style, and deep expertise, he brings both challenge and humor to every discussion.
He has interviewed many influential figures including Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, Ban Ki Moon, Al Gore and Sir David Attenborough.
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Roger Harrabin | Awards and Recognition
Roger has won multiple accolades for his work in broadcasting. These include the prestigious Media Natura award for his documentaries like Gas Muzzlers, which focused on green energy in the US He also won an award for his TV news coverage in 2007, sharing the Media Natura TV News Award for films broadcast on the BBC’s Ten O’Clock News. He has been recognised for tackling complex topics like climate adaptation and energy policy.
He is an Honorary lifetime fellow of St Catharine’s Cambridge; Associate Fellow, Green College Oxford and Wolfson College, Cambridge and holds an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Cranfield University for work on the environment.
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To check fees and availability for Roger Harrabin, contact Great Business Speakers on 0044 (0)1753 439289