Tackling History’s Defining Moments: The Courageous Women Bringing it to our Screens

2 May 2019

Imagine waking up in the morning and not knowing what your day will be filled with, then at a minutes notice, having to cover some of the biggest stories breaking around the world. For as long as I can remember, I have watched in awe of the women reporting on the front-line, captivating the world with the hard-hitting stories in some of the most dangerous regions. Inspired by this, and with some of these incredible women in our little book of contacts, I felt it was about time that they deserved some coverage.

After a lifetime of reporting on International Affairs, you can only imagine what some of their stories might be. Regardless if it’s to host your awards night, provide an engaging keynote, entertain audiences at an After Dinner, even facilitate at a conference, these women can captivate an audience and leave them completely speechless.

Prepare to be inspired by this selection of female journalists who have had an incredible career covering the world’s international affairs.

As a BBC news presenter, radio host and tv journalist, Kate Silverton  has fronted a range of BBC News programs, radio shows. Winning plaudits for her reporting in Iraq and having been on the front line in Afghanistan, she is no stranger to conflict. A keen sportswoman having presented at the Olympic Games, she is also passionate about conservation and voicing challenges that woman face juggling a career and motherhood. Her wealth of experience on the corporate circuit makes her a popular choice for hosting Award Ceremonies and conferences, bringing personality, warmth and humour to proceedings.

Kirsty Wark  is renowned for the hard-hitting questions and in-depth analysis of current affairs. As one of the main anchors of BBC2's Newsnight, Kirsty has interviewed everyone from Madonna to Margaret Thatcher. Deciding to form her own independent television production company, she has presented much of the company’s output including the latest series Tales from Europe. To top this all off, Kirsty has won numerous industry awards including a BAFTA for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting.

Lindsey Hilsum  is Channel 4 News' International Editor and is a regular writer for the Sunday Times and The Guardian. With a colourful career in journalism, Lindsey has covered everything from the uprising in Tibet, to the Beijing Olympics, the war in Iraq from Baghdad and the attacks on Serbia. Covering many conflicts of the past decade, Lindsey is adept at deciphering tough topics, and is an excellent facilitator with the added benefit of speaking both French and Spanish.

Hannah Vaughan Jones  is an internationally recognised television presenter and news anchor for CNN international. She has been at the forefront of some of the most cutting-edge news stories, including the 2016 election of President Trump, the Brexit referendum and the Boston Marathon bombings. These stories have let her interview some of the world’s leaders, who have outlined the changing business and political landscape. With the ability to handle the most unpredictable stories and last minute changes, Hannah is a professional and unflappable host, ideal for hosting live events.

Since joining Channel 4 News as a hard-hitting and lauded journalist, Cathy Newman  has broadcast a string of investigations and scoops, including harassment allegations against the Liberal Democrat peer Lord Rennard. In addition to being an outspoken advocate for women’s issues, she was the sole broadcast journalist to travel to the Congo as part of a campaign against sexual violence, with Angelina Jolie and William Hague. Spending over a decade in Fleet Street, latterly with the Financial Times, she currently writes about politics for the Telegraph.

As the former Economics Editor and Chief Political Correspondent for ITV News,  Daisy McAndrew 's has particular expertise in finance and politics. After spending seven years there reporting on major issues, she’s covered stories including the credit crunch and the recession. Now a freelance presenter and media trainer, she regularly reviews papers for Sky News, BBC News, and This Morning and makes an ideal speaker to facilitate a conference.

Jane Corbin  has covered the world’s major conflicts for more than two decades as senior foreign affairs correspondent for the BBC's Panorama. With a wealth of knowledge regarding the key security and human rights issues of our times, including the Middle East, global terrorism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the former Soviet Union and the Balkans, and the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Jane is a respected keynote speaker of the highest calibre.

Kasia Madera  is one of the primary anchors of the Newsday program, presenting on World News Today and has been a part of the BBC Global’s Country Direct series. Covering some of the biggest stories throughout her journalism career, including the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony and was the only British journalist to secure an interview with Donald Tusk. A popular conference facilitator and awards host, Kasia draws on her experience fronting the overnight bulletins on BBC News and BBC World News, as well as presenting Newsday, World News Today, and Reporters.

After a long and successful career with the BBC, Reeta Chakrabarti  currently combines her role as UK Affairs correspondent, presenting on BBC1’s One, Six and Ten O'Clock News. Weaving through many roles, she has covered community affairs, political landscape through three general elections, education and social affairs, and is currently the BBC’s UK Affairs correspondents. Covering stories on adoption, poverty and the education system, she’s also done case studies on the success of women bankers in India and why Denmark’s pace of life is healthier. With adept experience in reporting, Reeta makes an excellent conference facilitator and awards host.

Best known as presenter on Radio 4's flagship TODAY Programme and BBC Breakfast News,  Sarah Montague ’s career started in finance before moving to broadcasting. Sarah recently made the move to take the lead on The World at One, the BBC’s lunchtime news broadcast. As an outstanding conference facilitator on the corporate circuit, with extensive experience in chairing discussions and interviewing, Sarah is professional, down to earth and fun, with a speciality at guiding debates with ease and charm.

Susannah Streeter  is currently the anchor for World Business Report on BBC World Service and BBC World TV. Rising to the rank of Squadron Leader in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, she has delivered breaking stories and gaining insight events from entrepreneurs, economists and analysts into the unfolding economic climate. Fluent in French, she hosts everything from major conferences to bilingual events in her role as UK representative for NATO’s Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers, and specialises in Brexit and digital disruption.

Perfect for any event with the ability to adapt and adjust to any scenario, these women are experienced moderators, keynote speakers, time-conscious hosts and conference facilitators. After a lifetime working in broadcasting they come equipped with enriching stories, the ability to get the very best out of others, and experts at running to strict schedules - there isn’t much more that you could want for an event. Just imagine how inspired your audience will be after hearing them speak.

For further information or to book one of our speakers, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070  or email  info@speakerscorner.co.uk .

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