Sarah Smith

About

Sarah Smith is a seasoned journalist and presenter with a career spanning over three decades across prominent media outlets like the BBC and Channel 4. Her expertise in reporting and presenting has taken her from Scotland to the United States, covering major global events and leading coverage as a trailblazer in journalism.

Career Highlights

BBC North America Editor: Sarah currently serves as the BBC’s North America Editor, a role she assumed in November 2021. Based in Washington DC, she leads coverage of key political, economic, and social issues across North America for the BBC audience.

Trailblazer in Journalism: Sarah holds the distinction of being the only woman to have led coverage of North America for both the BBC and Channel 4. She was also the BBC’s first Scotland Editor, showcasing her versatility and leadership in journalistic roles.

Global Reporting: Throughout her career, Sarah has reported on major global events such as the Fukushima disaster and the Madrid bombings. Her reporting during the Madrid bombings earned Channel 4 an International Emmy, highlighting her impactful journalism.

Early Career and BBC Stints: Sarah began her career at BBC Scotland as a graduate trainee, gaining valuable experience in Scottish and Northern Irish affairs. She later moved to London, working on youth programmes before transitioning to news and current affairs with credits including Newsnight and Public Eye.

Channel 4 Contributions: After leaving the BBC briefly, Sarah worked as a reporter for 5 News and then joined Channel 4 News as Scotland Correspondent. She broke new ground as the anchor of More4 nightly news upon its launch in 2005 and later served as Channel 4’s Washington Correspondent and Business Correspondent.

Scotland and Political Reporting: Sarah’s expertise in political reporting was evident during Scotland’s independence referendum, where she co-presented BBC Two’s Scotland 2014. She later became the BBC’s Scotland Editor, focusing on Scottish news for a UK audience, and also presented Sunday Politics.

Versatile Presenter: Known for her versatile presentation style, Sarah has hosted current affairs programmes and anchored news shows, demonstrating her ability to engage audiences across different formats and topics.

Sarah Smith’s career is marked by her dedication to journalistic integrity, her pioneering roles as a woman leader in media coverage, and her impactful reporting on global and political issues. As BBC North America Editor, she continues to shape the narrative of North American affairs for audiences worldwide.