Share
Jon Sopel Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerJon Sopel

Journalist and Broadcaster

From the steps of Downing Street to the inside of the White House press briefing room, Jon Sopel has spent four decades reporting on global events and interviewing the people who tried to shape them. Described by President Trump as ‘another beauty’ his face has graced just about every news... Read more

Watch Jon Sopel in action

Popular Talks by Jon Sopel

  • Politics
  • Journalism
  • Moderator

Biography

From the steps of Downing Street to the inside of the White House press briefing room, Jon Sopel has spent four decades reporting on global events and interviewing the people who tried to shape them. Described by President Trump as ‘another beauty’ his face has graced just about every news programme on the BBC and his familiar voice has carried across the airwaves of BBC Radio from Paris, Kuwait City, Washington DC and Blackpool. In February 2022 Jon announced he was leaving the BBC to launch the News Agents Podcast alongside Lewis Goodall and Emily Maitlis. In July 2023 Jon launched with Emily News Agents USA. In addition to the News Agents, Jon covered the 2024 US Election for Good Morning Britain and also hosted a return of the US Election Results programme America Decides with Shelagh Fogarty.

As the BBC’s North America Editor Jon reported on the rise and fall of President Trump. He was Paris correspondent when Concorde crashed and was based in Kuwait City during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Jon’s presentational skills have been extensively used across the BBC as an in-studio host for BBC News Channel, The Politics Show, BBC News at One, BBC Two’s party conference coverage, Newsnight and on BBC World News.

Outside the studio Jon has reported live into every major BBC news bulletin on location from around the country and across the globe, including coverage of Nelson Mandela’s funeral, the inauguration of a new Pope, countless elections, and wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East. He has interviewed numerous Presidents, Prime Ministers and the occasional Emir.

Jon’s stint in North America resulted in a trilogy of books about the Trump Presidency. The first, If Only They Didn’t Speak English, notes from Trump’s America, was an acclaimed best-seller. The second, A Year at the Circus, came out in September 2019 while the third, UnPresidented: Politics, pandemics and the race that Trumped all others, a personal diary of the 2020 presidential election came out in September 2021.
Jon has also written a biography of Tony Blair, Tony Blair; The Moderniser, published in 1995, two years before Mr Blair became Prime Minister.

Jon has received many awards for his work including being voted Political Journalist of the year in 2007 and shortlisted for the National Presenter of the Year at the Royal Television Society Television Journalism Awards in 2011/12. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Southampton in 2011.

The NewsAgents podcast won the Best News & Current Affairs category and the Spotlight award at the 2024 British Podcast Awards.

Jon currently lives in London with his wife, Linda. He is also an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust, as well as enjoying golf, travel and watching football.

Ready to invite Jon Sopel to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

How to book Jon Sopel as a keynote speaker

How do I book Jon Sopel for a keynote speech?

You can book Jon Sopel through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Jon's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Jon Sopel's speaking fees?

Jon Sopel's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Jon tailored to your event.

What topics does Jon Sopel speak about?

Jon Sopel speaks on Facilitators & Moderators, Government & Politics. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Jon to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Jon Sopel available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Jon Sopel for events worldwide, subject to Jon's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Jon Sopel deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Jon Sopel is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Jon Sopel?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Jon can accommodate.

Can Jon Sopel tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Jon Sopel on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Jon can offer.

What languages does Jon Sopel present in?

Jon Sopel delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Jon Sopel a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Jon Sopel's areas of expertise include Facilitators & Moderators, Government & Politics. To get a clear sense of Jon's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Jon Sopel speak at?

Jon Sopel can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Facilitators & Moderators, Government & Politics is relevant. Details of Jon's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Jon Sopel offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Jon Sopel is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Jon Sopel?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Jon Sopel, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Jon's current availability for your dates.