James Naughtie

James Naughtie became one of the most popular presenters of Radio 4’s flagship Today programme. An often entertaining presence, he also didn’t flinch from grilling politicians, analysing events in the US, and revealing the people behind the headlines in over twenty years on the show. He now serves as Special Correspondent for BBC News.

Jim started out on his local newspaper in Aberdeen. He moved to The Scotsman, then grabbed the chance of a fellowship at The Washington Post before returning to Britain to become Chief Political Correspondent at The Guardian.

The switch to broadcast journalism came with an invitation to join Radio 4 as presenter of The Week in Westminster, followed by The World at One. He also made numerous documentaries, including investigations into UN peacekeeping operations and what was then considered a crisis of leadership in America. He has anchored the station’s coverage of every UK general election since 1997, and covered ten US Presidential elections, as well as reporting from national commemorations and Papal coronations.

Outside the BBC newsroom Jim is a noted authority on classical music and opera. He fronted coverage of The Proms for more than a decade, and published The Making of Music – putting 1,000 years of composers and their works into proper historical context. A lover of literature as well, he also hosts Radio 4’s Book Club and chaired the jury for the Man Booker Prize. His own publications include The Rivals, which exposed the truth about the relationship between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and his first novel, The Madness of July.

Jim has chaired many high level gatherings, including sessions of the World Economic Forum at Davos. He regularly moderates debates, facilitates panel discussions, hosts awards and delivers speeches to senior business audiences. He also served as Chancellor of Stirling University.