Martha Kearney

Martha Kearney is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster whose voice has become synonymous with trusted, insightful reporting. With a career spanning more than four decades, she has established herself as one of the most respected figures in British journalism. Known for her sharp political insight and compelling storytelling, Martha’s career pinnacle came in 2025 when she was awarded a CBE for services to journalism and broadcasting, recognising her outstanding contribution to media. As a keynote speaker, she captivates audiences with her depth of knowledge, poise and remarkable personal experience.

Martha’s path into broadcasting began after completing her studies in Classics at St Anne's College. Raised in Dublin, Sussex and Edinburgh, she grew up in an academic household led by her father, the historian Hugh Kearney. After university, Martha entered the media world as a phone-in operator for LBC/IRN Radio in London. Quickly proving her aptitude for news, she advanced to reporter, presenter and lobby correspondent. In 1987, she began covering British general elections, marking the start of a long and distinguished political reporting career. This experience paved the way for her move to Channel 4’s A Week in Politics in 1988, followed by a role at the BBC's On the Record in 1990, where she covered major international and domestic stories, including reports from India, Pakistan, Nicaragua, Holloway prison, and with drug addicts in Glasgow.

Throughout her career, Martha has held several high-profile positions. She became Political Editor of BBC Two’s Newsnight in 2000, where she interviewed every British Prime Minister since 1987 and reported extensively on the Northern Ireland peace process, earning a BAFTA nomination in 1998 for her work. She later transitioned to radio, becoming the main presenter of BBC Radio 4's The World at One in 2007, significantly increasing its audience. In 2018, she joined the Today programme as a lead presenter, a role she held until 2024. Her outstanding work has been recognised with numerous awards, including Political Commentator of the Year by The House Magazine in 2006, TRIC Radio Presenter of the Year in 2004, a Sony Bronze Award for her programme on child poverty in 2004, and the Best Individual Contribution to Radio by the Voice of the Listener & Viewer in 2014. Beyond political journalism, Martha has hosted arts and nature documentaries such as The Secret World of Lewis Carroll, The Wonder of Bees, and Great Irish Journeys.

Audiences are drawn to Martha for her rare ability to combine journalistic rigour with warmth and humour. She offers unique insights into broadcast journalism, political reporting, media ethics, current affairs, leadership, arts, literature and nature. Martha’s speeches deliver not only information but perspective, shaped by her extensive interviews with global figures, including Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, John McCain, Nancy Pelosi and Bob Dole. With her commanding presence and wealth of experience, Martha leaves audiences informed, engaged and inspired - making her an exceptional choice for keynote speaking engagements worldwide.