Emily Maitlis is a distinguished British journalist known for her impactful work in news broadcasting, particularly as the lead anchor of the BBC Two news and current affairs program Newsnight until 2021. Her career began in radio broadcasting after a stint as a documentary maker in Cambodia and China, where she honed her storytelling skills. Maitlis spent six years in Hong Kong with TVB News and NBC Asia, covering significant events such as the collapse of the tiger economies in 1997 and the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong. This international experience laid a strong foundation for her subsequent roles in the UK media landscape.
Upon returning to the UK, Maitlis joined Sky News as a business correspondent before transitioning to BBC London News in 2001. Her versatility as a presenter was showcased through her work on various programs, including BBC Breakfast and the BBC News Channel. In 2012, she gained recognition for her coverage of the US presidential elections, further establishing her reputation as a leading journalist. Her tenure at Newsnight began in 2006, where she became the lead anchor in 2018, known for her incisive interviews and ability to engage with complex topics.
Maitlis is perhaps best known for her groundbreaking interview with Prince Andrew in November 2019, which garnered international attention and won her the Interview of the Year and Scoop of the Year awards at the 2020 RTS Television Journalism Awards. This interview not only highlighted her interviewing prowess but also had significant repercussions for the royal family, showcasing her influence in the field of journalism.
In 2022, Maitlis transitioned to Global Media, launching The News Agents podcast alongside Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall. The podcast quickly became one of the UK’s most listened-to shows, reflecting her continued relevance in contemporary media. With numerous accolades, including the Broadcast Journalist of the Year and the Network Presenter of the Year awards, Maitlis remains a prominent figure in journalism, known for her commitment to integrity and insightful reporting.