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Available to book

BAFTA-winning broadcaster & host

Kirsty Wark

Bring insight, authority, and wit to your event with Kirsty Wark, one of Britain’s most respected broadcasters, offering sharp perspective, cultural depth, and polished hosting drawn from three decades of Newsnight expertise and multiple BAFTA recognitions.

Trusted by Carers UK, Hogan Lovells International LLP, CMS LLP, Santander, National Business Awards

Kirsty Wark, Speaker | TV Journalist & Author
Kirsty Wark

Kirsty Wark

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Kirsty

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Starting from

£11k–25k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Kirsty Wark's biography

At a glance

  • Veteran BBC Newsnight presenter for three decades
  • Award-winning broadcast journalist and interviewer
  • Novelist and cultural radio programme host
Kirsty Wark is a leading British television journalist, presenter, and writer, best known for three decades at the helm of BBC Newsnight and for her authoritative interviewing style across news, politics, and the arts. Kirsty began her career at BBC Scotland, moving to BBC Two’s The Late Show before joining Newsnight in 1993, a role she held until stepping down after the 2024 General Election. Over this period, she became one of the most recognisable figures in British current affairs broadcasting, known for holding senior politicians and public figures to account with calm precision and rigour. Alongside political journalism, Kirsty has sustained an influential presence in arts and cultural broadcasting. She hosted The Review Show for more than a decade and continues to present a wide range of BBC arts documentaries and cultural history series, including The Women Who Changed Modern Scotland. On radio, she is the long-standing host of Radio 4’s The Reunion and a regular presenter of Start the Week. Her interviews span literature, film, music, and visual arts, reflecting a rare breadth across public life. Kirsty is also an established novelist, with The Legacy of Elizabeth Pringle and The House By The Loch achieving critical and commercial success. Her contribution to broadcasting has been recognised with multiple BAFTA awards and a lifetime achievement award at the 2024 RTS Journalism Awards. For events, Kirsty brings exceptional authority, clarity, and warmth as a host, chair, and after-dinner speaker. Audiences gain insight into public affairs, media, and culture, while organisations benefit from her credibility, interviewing skill, and ability to guide complex conversations with confidence and balance. Book Kirsty to bring gravitas, intelligence, and polished professionalism to your next event.

Kirsty's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Kirsty

Kirsty Wark brings unmatched authority, insight, and warmth to every event, drawing on decades at the forefront of British journalism and the arts. Book Kirsty to engage, inform, and inspire your audience with one of the most respected voices in broadcasting.

Check Kirsty's availability

Trusted by Carers UK, Hogan Lovells International LLP, CMS LLP, Santander, National Business Awards

Testimonials

You were absolutely brilliant and the feedback from the delegates at the reception afterwards was incredibly positive. It was hugely valuable to have your insightful contribution, expertise, and excellent chairing skills.

Carers UK Conference Event

The event went tremendously well, everyone from the Chair and CEO down was delighted and Kirsty was a fantastic host. Her hosting elevated the event above usual corporate get-togethers with speeches and helped us to talk about the issues we wanted to on skills and education.

UK Chairman's Event, Santander

On behalf of the Guardian, I would like to thank you for your contribution to the Guardian Public Services Awards. Once again, your contribution was professional and enthusiastic with a personal touch. We hope that you will be able to join us at future events.

Public Services Awards, The Guardian

Public Services Awards, The Guardian

Featured Projects

Kirsty Wark - Woman's Hour podcast cover
Kirsty Wark - Start The Week book cover
Kirsty Wark - BBC Newsnight

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Kirsty Wark for my next event?
Email kirsty.wark@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Kirsty's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Kirsty Wark's speaking style like?
Kirsty Wark draws on three decades of broadcast interviewing to structure her sessions around direct, evidence-based questioning of public figures, applied to live event conversations with the same rigour she brought to Newsnight.
What topics does Kirsty Wark specialise in?
Kirsty Wark's sessions span political journalism, arts and cultural broadcasting, and media craft. She presented BBC Newsnight for over three decades and received a lifetime achievement award at the 2024 RTS Journalism Awards.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.