
Keynote speaker
Emma BarnettAward-Winning BBC Today Programme Presenter and Author
- Based in
- UK
- Fee tier
- Established£5k – £10k indicative · subject to negotiation
- Languages
- English
About Emma Barnett
Emma Barnett is a distinguished journalist and broadcaster who currently serves as a lead presenter on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. Her appointment to the corporation's flagship news show followed a highly successful tenure as the host of Woman's Hour, which she led through its 75th anniversary. Under her direction, the programme shifted towards a sharper news and politics focus and became the most downloaded show across the BBC. Her broadcast portfolio is extensive, including three years as a regular presenter of Newsnight and hosting the mid-morning weekday programme on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Beginning her career in print journalism, Emma was the first Digital Editor for The Telegraph, where she spearheaded technology coverage and interviewed global industry leaders. She later served as the paper's Women’s Editor and created the Telegraph Wonder Women section, alongside writing columns for The Sunday Times. Beyond her broadcasting work, she is the author of ‘Period: It’s About Bloody Time’ and serves as a patron for the charity Smartworks, supporting women entering the workforce. Her professional excellence has been recognised with prestigious accolades, including Speech Broadcaster of the Year at the Radio Academy Awards and Interviewer of the Year at the British Journalism Awards.
As a keynote speaker and facilitator, Emma is highly sought after for her sharp intellectual rigour and her ability to navigate complex political and social landscapes with clarity. She brings a wealth of experience from the forefront of the British media to every event, offering audiences a sophisticated perspective on current affairs and digital transformation.
On stage, Emma Barnett is best known for talks on Broadcasting, Journalism, Technology, Politics and Diversity. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room.
Their work resonates with leaders across Education, Media & Broadcasting and Motivational Speaking, where the themes translate directly into team decisions, customer experience and growth strategy.
Emma Barnett is regularly booked for Presenter & Awards Host, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A.
Based in UK, Emma Barnett travels internationally for engagements.
To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how Emma Barnett would approach your audience.
Speaking topics
Industries
Frequently asked questions
- How do I book Emma Barnett?
- Send a booking enquiry using the form on this page. We'll confirm Emma's availability and reply with fees and next steps.
- How much does Emma Barnett cost to book?
- Emma Barnett sits in our Established fee tier (£5k – £10k indicative). Fees are tier ranges and are subject to negotiation depending on event date, location, format and audience size — we help negotiate the final fee as part of the booking. Send an enquiry and we'll come back with a firm quote.
- What topics does Emma Barnett speak on?
- Emma speaks on Broadcasting, Journalism, Technology, Politics, Diversity.
- What languages does Emma Barnett present in?
- Emma presents in English.
- Where is Emma Barnett based?
- Emma is based in UK and travels internationally for speaking engagements.
Before you book
Considering Emma Barnett? Read these first.
Formats
Keynote, panel moderator or awards host?
Three roles, three completely different skill sets. Pick the wrong one and even the best speaker will look ordinary.
Read guide →On the day
The run-of-show that keeps speakers happy
The small things, green room snacks, an intro that lands, AV that works. Don't leave anything to chance.
Read guide →Pitfalls
Red flags when booking a speaker
The warning signs in pitches, contracts and rider asks that separate a smooth booking from a six-week saga.
Read guide →