Stephen Sackur

Stephen Sackur is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster renowned for his incisive interviewing and decades of frontline reporting across the world's most challenging geopolitical stories. With over 40 years at the BBC, he became the face of HARDtalk, interrogating presidents, prime ministers and global leaders with forensic precision, and now presents The Times at One on Times Radio. Recognised as International TV Personality of the Year and holding an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Warwick, his reporting from conflict zones and political crises has shaped public understanding of pivotal world events. Stephen equips audiences with sharp insight into global risk, leadership under pressure and the art of asking the questions that matter.

During the Gulf War in 1991, Stephen Sackur became the first correspondent to break the story of the mass killings on the Basra road out of Kuwait City, a moment that marked the end of the conflict and set the tone for a career defined by frontline reporting from the world's most volatile regions. Over four decades with the BBC, he reported from conflict zones and political flashpoints across the Middle East, Europe and the United States, covering everything from the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin to the civil war in Sri Lanka. His work has taken him into the aftermath of Saddam Hussein's regime, where he filed the first television reports on Iraq's mass graves, and into the highest corridors of power, where he has interviewed Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. In 2010, he was named International TV Personality of the Year by the Association for International Broadcasting, and in 2018 he received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Warwick in recognition of his contribution to journalism.

Stephen's reputation rests on his ability to ask the questions that others avoid. As the lead presenter of HARDtalk for over two decades, he transformed the BBC's flagship interview programme into essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand global affairs, interrogating prime ministers, presidents and world leaders with forensic precision and unflinching curiosity. His reporting has earned multiple awards, including recognition for his coverage of 9/11 and the Jerusalem peace process. He has served as the BBC's Middle East Correspondent, Washington Correspondent and Europe Correspondent, building a depth of geopolitical insight that few journalists can match. Now presenting The Times at One on Times Radio, he continues to shape public understanding of the forces driving international politics, conflict and leadership under pressure.

Stephen equips audiences with the tools to navigate complexity and uncertainty in a rapidly changing world. His experience moderating high-level discussions at forums such as the Yalta European Strategy meetings and literary festivals demonstrates his skill in facilitating meaningful dialogue on stage. Whether hosting live events, chairing panel debates or delivering keynote insights, he offers clarity on global risk, the mechanics of power and the art of holding leaders to account. Audiences leave with sharper instincts for critical thinking, a deeper grasp of geopolitical trends and the confidence to ask better questions in their own spheres of influence. His ability to think on his feet and command a room makes him an exceptional choice for organisations seeking substance, credibility and real-world perspective.