Emily Maitlis began her professional path with a strong grounding in the dramatic arts. Initially drawn to the world of theatre, she aspired to become a director before her ambitions shifted toward journalism and television.
Her first major role in broadcasting took her to Hong Kong, where she spent six formative years working as a business journalist and documentary producer for TVB News and NBC Asia.
During this time, she created in-depth features on key developments across the region — from the financial turbulence that gripped the “tiger economies” to landmark political shifts such as the 1997 handover of Hong Kong. She covered the latter event live for Channel 4, alongside veteran broadcaster Jon Snow.
Emily Maitlis | TV Career in the UK
On returning to the UK in the late 1990s, Maitlis joined Sky News as a business correspondent, bringing with her a wealth of international experience. Her ability to explain complex issues with clarity soon caught the attention of the BBC, which she joined in 2001 as a presenter for BBC London News.
Emily’s sharp interviewing style and commanding on-screen presence quickly led to higher-profile assignments. By 2006, she had become a central figure on BBC Two’s Newsnight, where she would remain for the next 16 years. As lead presenter, she guided viewers through political upheavals, economic crises, and cultural debates, becoming one of the most recognisable and respected journalists in the UK.
Her work extended well beyond Newsnight. Maitlis regularly appeared on BBC One, BBC World, and BBC Radio 4, contributing to major news specials and analysis programmes. She became a trusted source for balanced, insightful commentary during key moments in national and international affairs.
Emily Maitlis | Beyond the BBC
In 2022, after over two decades with the BBC, Emily departed the corporation, citing the need for greater editorial independence. Soon after, she teamed up with former colleagues Lewis Goodall and Jon Sopel to launch The News Agents, a Global-backed podcast delivering daily political and cultural analysis.
The show quickly became one of the UK’s top-ranked news podcasts, celebrated for its sharp, witty, and often provocative take on current events.
Her post-BBC career has also included major television projects. In 2023, she co-executive produced Channel 4’s Andrew: The Problem Prince, which examined the background and aftermath of her headline-making 2019 interview with Prince Andrew. She went on to serve as executive producer on Amazon’s three-part drama A Very Royal Scandal, released in September 2024.
Emily Maitlis | Awards
Emily has received numerous honours for her work in broadcast journalism.
In 2020, she was named Network Presenter of the Year at the Royal Television Society Journalism Awards, with judges calling her “a master of her craft.” That same year, she won Broadcast Journalist of the Year at the London Press Club Awards.
Her now-iconic Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew won Interview of the Year at the RTS Awards and Scoop of the Year at the British Journalism Awards.
She has also earned the Wincott Business Award for Inside Facebook, her documentary exploring the world of Mark Zuckerberg and social media influence.
In 2023, The News Agents won Podcast of the Year at the British Journalism Awards, showcasing her ability to innovate across media platforms while maintaining editorial excellence.
Emily Maitlis | Writing
Alongside her broadcasting career, Maitlis has established herself as a best-selling author. Her debut book, Airhead: The Imperfect Art of Making News (2019), blends memoir with a behind-the-scenes look at life in television journalism. The work was praised for its candid, often humorous take on high-pressure reporting and memorable interviews.
In 2022, she released This Is Not A Pity Memoir, a deeply personal exploration of her husband’s serious illness and its impact on family life. Both books became Sunday Times bestsellers.
Maitlis has also contributed articles and opinion pieces to leading publications including The Times, The Spectator, and The New Statesman, further cementing her reputation as a sharp and fearless commentator on politics and society.
Why Book Emily Maitlis?
With a career spanning international reporting, political interviews, documentary production, podcasting, and authorship, Emily Maitlis remains one of Britain’s most compelling voices in media. Her fearless approach to holding those in power to account, combined with her ability to engage audiences across multiple platforms, makes her a sought-after figure for events worldwide.
She is in high demand as a keynote speaker, debate moderator, and awards host, with expertise ranging from politics and current affairs to business and media. Whether delivering sharp political insight or exploring the human stories behind the headlines, Maitlis brings authority, authenticity, and unmatched storytelling skill to the stage.
To check fees and availability for journalist and event moderator Emily Maitlis, contact Great Business Speakers on 0044 (0)1753 439289
