Faisal Islam is an award-winning British political and economic journalist who currently serves as Economics Editor at BBC News. With over two decades of experience reporting on financial crises, European affairs, and political issues, Faisal has garnered a reputation as an authentic and authoritative voice in the media and journalism spheres.
Formerly serving as Economics Correspondent for The Observer newspaper, Faisal joined Channel 4 in 2004 as a business correspondent before progressing to the role of economics editor, a role which he held until 2014. With over ten years covering the complexities of the corporate landscape, Faisal provided deep insights into a range of topical stories, from government-subsidised arms dealers to how bankers are trading weather. In 2014, Faisal transitioned from Channel 4 to Sky News as political editor, just before the Scottish Independence Referendum. During this time, Faisal played a role in various influential and significant broadcasts, including interviewing ex-Prime Minster, David Cameron in 2017. After five years at Sky, he moved to BBC News to assume his current role as the economic editor, replacing Kamal Ahmed. Since 2020, Faisal has occasionally presented Newsnight as a stand-in host.
As a result of his groundbreaking work, Faisal has received several awards, including the Wincott Award for Young Financial Journalist of the Year, three Royal Society of Television Awards, the Broadcast News Journalism Award at the Workworld Media Awards, and the Wincott Foundaton’s Award for Best Television Coverage of a Topical Issue for his reporting on the financial problems of Icelandic banks. His expert analysis has also seen him featured in the New Statesman and The Guardian, his thought leadership culminating in his book, ‘The Default Line’.
Having covered all angles of the financial, Eurozone and UK political instabilities, Faisal is a leading voice in British journalism. From high-level interviews to sharp fiscal evaluations, he is the perfect addition to a multitude of events, whether it be journalistic, political, or monetary engagements, summits and conferences. His twenty plus years at the forefront of global media coverage have given him top-class communication and storytelling skills that will engage a multitude of audiences across a variety of sectors.
Books
The Default Line: The Inside Story of People, Banks and Entire Nations on the Edge
- 2026 – Continues as Economic Editor of BBC News
- 2019 – Economic Editor of BBC News and occasional presenter on Newsnight, succeeding Kamal Ahmed in the role
- 2017 – Won the Royal Television Society Award for Interview of the Year for his interview with former Prime Minister David Cameron
- 2015 – Nominated for the Services to Media Award at the British Muslim Awards
- 2014 – Political Editor, Sky News
- 2010 – Named Broadcast News Reporter of the Year by the WorkWorld Foundation
- 2009 – Received the Wincott Foundation Award for Best Television Coverage of a Topical Issue, Business Journalist of the Year & BJOYA Best Broadcast Story
- 2007 – Won the Broadcast News Journalism Award at the WorkWorld Media Awards
- 2006 – Named Young Journalist of the Year at the Royal Television Society Awards
- 2004 – Appointed Business Correspondent at Channel 4 News, later becoming Economics Correspondent
- 2001 – Shortlisted for Young Journalist of the Year at the British Press Awards
- 2000 – Awarded the Wincott Award for Young Financial Journalist of the Year
How to hire Faisal Islam
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Faisal Islam for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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