For his dangerous and pioneering exposures, Vitali Vitaliev was awarded several Journalist of the Year awards as well as Golden Calf, Ilf and Petrov Prizes for satirical journalism in the USSR.

He also received the Nieman Fellowship in Journalism from Harvard University (USA) – the most prestigious title that can be bestowed on a professional working in the field of international investigative journalism.

Vitali Vitaliev on TV

Since his escape to the West, Vitali has lived and worked as an editor and columnist in England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia and the USA (having won over 20 awards for his journalism) and has become widely known for his regular appearances and contributions to both serious and satirical TV and radio programming, including Saturday Night Clive, After Dark, Have I Got News For You, “Loose Ends”, Desert Island Discs and QI.

HERE is a great article in the Independent about the story of how Vitali and Clive James first met…

He became well known for his intelligent and amusing Saturday Night Clive live appearances via satellite from Moscow and Melbourne. He is often referred to as the “Ukrainian Clive James” and “Ukrainian Bill Bryson”.

Vitali Vitaliev – Writing

Vitali has published thirteen books, written in English and translated into many languages, including German, French, Italian, Japanese and (rather ironically) Russian, amongst them SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, DATELINE FREEDOM, DREAMS ON HITLER’S COUCH, PASSPORT TO ENCLAVIA and LIFE AS A LITERARY DEVICE.

He was a staff columnist with The Guardian, The European, The Daily Telegraph, The Australian and many other titles and has written and presented TV and radio documentaries for BBC One, BBC Radio 4, Channel 4, ABC and ITV.

Vitali Vitaliev  -Awards

Among the numerous literary and journalistic awards Vitali has won while already in the West are: the Melbourne Show Literary Award – First Prize; RTS Award for the best TV entertainment Show of 2007 (as part of the QI team); two Gold TABPI Awards (in 2015 and 2016) for the best regular column in the English-speaking world (some comments of the judges of that international USA-administered award: “Vitali Vitaliev is a brilliant writer, with a huge depth and breadth of knowledge and is on top of his game… You cannot put his columns down until you have soaked up every word. His writing is engaging and approachable, and storytelling skill is exceptional.

His dry humour, descriptive and simple language makes it not only easy, but enjoyable to read.

He was also repeatedly shortlisted (and highly commended) for the prestigious PPA UK Columnist of the Year Award.

Vitali Vitaliev – After Dinner and Public Speaking

Vitali’s public speaking history spans over 30 years and a number of countries – starting with solo appearances in Moscow as the country leading satirist and investigative reporter to audiences of many thousands and the prestigious Arthur Norman Smith Memorial Lecture in Journalism in Australia.

In the West – in his capacity of a British writer and broadcaster, he has delivered countless public talks (after-dinner, at festivals, book fairs etc.) which included solo appearances in the main tent in Hay-on-Wye, Edinburgh Book Festival, Barbican Theatre, Royal Geographical Society (of which he is a Fellow) last year, and many more.  Previously he was asked to deliver a series of talks “Drinks and Cultural Identity” to the students and staff of the University of Bologna, based around his book “Borders Up!”. At the same university, he did a series of talks on organised crime in the former communist countries.

Despite the seriousness of some of the subjects, his talks are always amusing and easy-to-digest. A positive and warm rapport is quickly established with any audience.

One of his most popular talks delivered in many countries is “Vodka Workshop”, where he tells the audience about the history and social importance of that drink followed by “testing” (as opposed to “tasting”) whereby the audience learn to drink vodka “correctly”. The latest “Workshop” was delivered very successfully last September at the officers’ mess of RAF Henlow.

Vitali also did a renowned solo stand-up routine at the Barbican, London talking about his tempestuous life.

He also does a compelling talk on Europe’s and the world’s geopolitical curiosities (enclaves, micronations, mini-states etc.)

Vitali is available to travel throughout the world for organisations large and small including cruise lines.

To book Vitali Vitaliev to inspire and entertain your audience, fill in the contact form below or get in touch with Jane Farnham at Great British Speakers on 0044 1753 439 289 jane@greatbritishspeakers.co.uk