Ben Hunte is a prominent Anchor and Correspondent at CNN, renowned for his powerful and authentic voice as a racial equality speaker. Drawing deeply from his lived experiences as a young, Black, gay investigative journalist, Ben’s advocacy is shaped by the many layers of his identity. He speaks candidly about the challenges and resilience that come with navigating the media industry and wider society, particularly as a person of colour and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. His speaking topics cover racial equality, workplace inclusion, authentic leadership, and intersectionality in journalism. Ben’s mission is not just to represent, but to ignite change through honesty, bold storytelling, and action.
Ben’s career path is as dynamic as it is inspiring. He began his professional journey as Strategic Partner Manager at Google, where he was the company’s youngest strategy manager. He had already demonstrated leadership during university as President of the UNMC Students’ Association at the University of Nottingham’s Malaysia Campus, where he also founded Jungle Hype Events and IGNITE Magazine, championing student life and diverse voices. After completing a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at the University of London, Ben transitioned into media with roles such as TV News Reporter for ITN and Presenter for BBC Radio 4 & 4 Extra. He rapidly rose through the ranks at the BBC, becoming the corporation’s first LGBT Correspondent, then Africa Anchor, followed by West Africa Correspondent, and later joined VICE News as Global News Correspondent before joining CNN.
Ben’s work has been widely recognised. In 2023, he won the prestigious Out D’Or Foreign Press Award, celebrating international excellence in LGBTQ+ journalism. In 2022, he was named a Finalist at the British Journalism Awards and featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, marking him as a leader shaping the future of media. He’s also been a highly sought-after speaker, invited to present at major platforms such as London Business School, Proxima, and Gymshark events, particularly during Pride Month and diversity-focused engagements.
Through his speaking, Ben delves deeply into topics such as structural racism in media, inclusive storytelling, and the importance of lived experience in driving real workplace change. His racial equality work is inseparable from his broader focus on intersectionality, making him especially resonant for organisations seeking authenticity, clarity, and insight on these urgent issues. Ben is hired not just for his accolades, but because he speaks truthfully, thoughtfully, and with passion—making him an unforgettable presence on any stage.
