Paddy O’Connell
Paddy O’Connell is an award-winning broadcaster and moderator with over 35 years of experience spanning radio, television, and live events. He’s best known as the warm and witty voice of BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House, which draws two million listeners each Sunday, and as a new permanent presenter of BBC Two’s Newsnight since May 2025.
He has hosted Broadcasting House since 2006, delivering insightful interviews and features. He also occasionally presents PM and stands-in on BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show.
During the September 11 attacks, Paddy was in New York preparing for a meeting at the World Trade Centre and instead pivoted to cover the crisis, anchoring coverage that evening under intense circumstances. He has described this as one of his journalism career’s most difficult and defining moments.
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More About Paddy O’Connell
Paddy O’Connell began his distinguished broadcasting career in 1989 as a trainee with the BBC Local Radio scheme – an entry point for many of the corporation’s top journalists. His early work saw him reporting and presenting across regional stations, including BBC Radio Devon, BBC Essex, and BBC Tees, where he quickly established a reputation for clarity, warmth, and a natural flair for live broadcasting.
Paddy O’Connell | BBC Radio 5 Live
In 1994, Paddy joined BBC Radio 5 Live, the then-new national station focusing on news and sport. He was among the original team that helped define the tone and pace of 5 Live, contributing to its rapid popularity. His versatility and quick-thinking on-air style made him a go-to voice for current affairs coverage, setting the stage for his move into international reporting.
By the late 1990s, Paddy had relocated to the United States as a presenter of The World, a global current affairs programme co-produced by BBC World Service, PRI, and WGBH Boston. He later became the BBC’s North America Business Correspondent, based in New York City, where he reported for television and radio across the BBC’s global platforms. During this time, he covered everything from Wall Street trends to presidential politics and was regularly seen and heard on BBC World News, BBC News 24, and World Business Report.
Paddy O’Connell’s Growing BBC Career
Paddy’s journalism took a dramatic turn on 11th September 2001, when he found himself in New York City preparing for a meeting at the World Trade Centre. In the wake of the terrorist attacks, he provided live reports throughout the day. In the following hours, he anchored critical BBC coverage, earning acclaim for his calm, transparent reporting during an extraordinary moment in world history.
Returning to the UK in the early 2000s, Paddy transitioned to more high-profile presenting roles. He co-hosted BBC Two’s Working Lunch, a popular lunchtime business programme. He became a regular face on BBC Three, fronting innovative, youth-focused shows such as Liquid News, Celebdaq, Flashmob: The Opera, and the BBC’s Eurovision coverage. This period demonstrated his remarkable range – from economic analysis to entertainment – and his ability to connect with various audiences.
Paddy O’Connell | Corporate Charity Engagements
Paddy is a respected conference moderator, chairing events from Question Time on BBC1 to Frontline Club geopolitical debates in London film events. He has anchored corporate forums globally—from Singapore to Ohio—and hosted cultural briefings for visiting delegations. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he also dedicates time to charitable causes and campaigns for Stonewall, championing LGBTQ+ rights.
Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book BBC broadcaster and journalist Paddy O’Connell for your next event.
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