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BAFTA producer & negotiation expert

Sam McAlister

Transform media engagement and leadership communication with Sam McAlister, speaker, BAFTA-nominated interview producer. Sam works with executives to master negotiation strategy and reputation management, delivering insider expertise from securing high-profile interviews including Prince Andrew, Elon Musk, and world leaders.

Trusted by UK Franchise, Porter Novelli

Sam McAlister, Speaker | Producer, Negotiator & Journalist
Sam McAlister

Sam McAlister

London, 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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London, United Kingdom

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£11k–25k

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Sam McAlister's biography

At a glance

  • BAFTA-nominated interview producer for BBC Newsnight
  • Author of bestseller Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews
  • Negotiation expert and visiting senior fellow at LSE
Sam McAlister is a BAFTA-nominated interview producer who has negotiated with everyone from Buckingham Palace to The White House, Tesla to Facebook. With skills honed over a decade in the BBC's elite news programs, notably BBC Newsnight, she is accustomed to persuading reluctant individuals to participate in a news program renowned for its rigour and incisiveness. Her exclusives include, most notably, an interview with HRH Prince Andrew, as well as interviews with Sheryl Sandberg, Prime Minister Trudeau, President Clinton, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Elon Musk, James Comey, Stormy Daniels, Julian Assange, Trevor Noah, Amy Schumer, and Eric Schmidt. She has an insider's perspective on what these interviews reveal about leadership, reputation, and communication in the modern age. She knows how to avoid making critical mistakes and handle the media and its most brutal interrogators. She also delves into the art of negotiation, which she has honed over decades, and shares insights on "How to Convince a Prince" — the infamous interview with Emily Maitlis. Negotiation, media management, strategy, and public speaking have always been central to Sam's work, from her time as a criminal defence barrister to her numerous public speaking and debating accolades, as well as her interactions with celebrities and governments. Sam's book, Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews, was published in 2022. The book offers an inside look at the secrets of a former BBC producer who made her way to Buckingham Palace, providing a behind-the-scenes pass to the most unforgettable journalism of our time. It became a bestseller on Amazon. The book was adapted into a documentary for Channel 4, titled The Problem Prince, aired as part of the channel's Coronation coverage in May 2023. It was also broadcast on A&E in August 2023. Sam has extensive experience as a keynote speaker, addressing audiences ranging from banks to law firms, CEOs, and embassies. She has also chaired day-long events, participated in panel discussions, and hosted awards ceremonies. Recently, she was appointed a visiting senior fellow at the London School of Economics (LSE), where she teaches negotiation to the law faculty. In 2024, Netflix released Scoop, a film adapted from Sam's 2022 book.

Sam's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

How To Convince A Prince
Sam McAlister's talk, "How to Convince a Prince," delves into the art of persuasion, sharing insights and strategies for influencing high-profile individuals in challenging negotiation scenarios.

Why we recommend booking Sam

Sam brings unparalleled insights from her experiences negotiating with global leaders and securing high-profile interviews, offering your team a masterclass in negotiation, media management, and strategic communication. Her firsthand accounts of navigating complex discussions and media landscapes will empower your business with the skills to handle public relations and leadership challenges effectively.

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Trusted by UK Franchise, Porter Novelli

Testimonials

If you are looking for a speaker who can entertain, inspire and educate in a witty, erudite manner, Sam is a woman of our times. She shows a level of credibility and professionalism that commands respect. She has inspired ME to truly live authentically. Book her now!

Alison Day

UK Franchise

Sam delivered an absolutely fantastic talk at our conference. Sam both positively impacted and captivated the whole audience, during her talk on the art of negotiation. Every member of the audience was so engaged with Sam as she discussed her skills and talents she has built to negotiate with others, while staying true to herself. I have never seen somebody so authentic and honest on the stage, providing fantastic pointers, hints and tips to enhance our own skills. Sam is authentically and naturally skilled in her talks and I highly recommend her.

Inner Rebel Conference

Sam is by far one of the best speakers I have listened to, watched and learnt from in over 20 years of being in business. Wow. Witty, intelligently crafted, HONEST, natural and so interesting. Highly highly recommended. What a lady!

Jane James

Director, Performing Arts

Featured Projects

Sam McAlister - Scoops book cover

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