
Justin Webb is a veteran British journalist and highly sought-after keynote speaker, celebrated for his authoritative voice in current affairs and political reporting. Known for his insightful storytelling and engaging presence, Justin brings decades of front-line journalism to the stage. He is best recognised as a presenter on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, a role he has held since 2009. His most distinguished career highlight came in 2008 when he became the first non-American journalist to conduct a full television interview with President Barack Obama in the White House - an historic moment that cemented his reputation on the international stage.
Justin’s journey began with a strong academic foundation. He was educated at Sidcot School, a Quaker institution in Somerset, before earning a degree in economics from the London School of Economics. During his time at university, he contributed to the student newspaper The Beaver, foreshadowing a future dedicated to media and commentary. He joined the BBC as a graduate trainee in 1984, starting his career at BBC Radio Ulster in Belfast during the tumultuous period of the Troubles. These early experiences in conflict reporting and investigative journalism shaped his deeply analytical approach and provided a robust foundation for his subsequent work in international broadcasting.
Over the years, Justin has built a truly impressive broadcasting portfolio. As a foreign affairs correspondent, he reported on monumental global events including the Gulf War, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and South Africa’s first democratic elections. He held a variety of high-profile roles, including main presenter on BBC One’s Breakfast News from 1992 to 1997, and later, BBC Europe Correspondent from 1998 to 2001. He then relocated to Washington D.C. where he served as BBC Chief Radio Correspondent before being appointed BBC North America Editor in 2007. Justin has also presented the Six O’Clock News, The World Tonight, and currently co-hosts the acclaimed podcast Americast. Throughout his career, he has interviewed major political figures including John Major and Tony Blair, while also authoring several respected books that explore transatlantic relations and cultural identity.
Justin is an exceptional choice for conferences, after-dinner speaking, and corporate events. His keynote talks delve into topics such as US politics, media impartiality, international relations, and the UK–US cultural divide, all delivered with depth and wit. His storytelling is both enlightening and accessible, shaped by years spent reporting from global hotspots. Justin's insights are not only relevant but essential in today's complex political climate, making him an ideal speaker for audiences seeking clarity, credibility and real-world experience.
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Books

The Gift of a Radio: My Childhood and other Train Wrecks

Cheers, America: How An Englishman Learned To Love America

Notes on Them and Us: From the Mayflower to Obama - The British, the Americans and the Special Essential Relationship

Coming To Terms With Type 1 Diabetes: One Family's Story of Life After Diagnosis

Have a Nice Day: A Journey Through Obama's America
Justin Webb's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Cultural Divides in a Globalised World
- Global Affairs: Insights from the Front Line
- Inside the BBC: Journalism & Impartiality
- Leadership Under Pressure: What Politics Teaches Us
- Media, Misinformation and Modern Reporting
- The UK–US Special Relationship
- US Politics: From Bush to Biden
- 2022 – Began co-presenting the Americast podcast
- 2009 – Became Presenter on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme
- 2008 – Conducted historic interview with President Barack Obama at the White House
- 2007 – Appointed BBC North America Editor
- 2001 – Posted as BBC Chief Radio Correspondent in Washington, D.C.
- 1998–2001 – Served as BBC Europe Correspondent, Brussels
- 1992–1997 – Lead Presenter of BBC One’s Breakfast News
- 1984 – Joined the BBC as a graduate trainee
How to hire Justin Webb
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Justin Webb 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.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.