Reeta Chakrabarti, age 61 (born December 12, 1964), is a British journalist, newsreader, and correspondent best known for her work with BBC News, where she regularly presents major bulletins including BBC News at One, BBC News at Six, and BBC News at Ten while also appearing on the BBC News Channel and BBC World News. Born in Ealing, England, to a family of Indian Bengali heritage, she has covered significant national and international stories throughout her career, earning respect for her insightful reporting and authoritative presentation style. Chakrabarti’s decades‑long career in broadcast journalism has made her one of the most familiar and trusted faces on British television news.
Early Life and Education
Reeta Chakrabarti was born on 12 December 1964 in Ealing, London, to a family of Indian Bengali heritage and spent her early years in Hull and Birmingham. As a teenager she lived in Calcutta, India, and attended Calcutta International School, which contributed to her multicultural perspective. After returning to the UK, she completed her secondary education and went on to study English and French at Exeter College, Oxford, graduating in 1988; her degree included a year spent studying in France, reflecting her lifelong passion for languages and culture.
Career Beginnings
Chakrabarti began her journalism journey with the BBC in the early 1990s, initially working in radio. She was a producer on BBC Radio 4, contributing to programmes like Today, The World at One and PM, and later became a reporter on BBC Radio 5 Live, covering significant events, including the French presidential elections and the Dunblane massacre. In 1992 she also worked on BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat where she wrote and delivered news bulletins, honing her skills in news delivery and reporting.
Rise at BBC News
In 1997, Chakrabarti’s role expanded when she became one of the BBC’s community affairs correspondents, covering high‑profile UK stories such as the Stephen Lawrence inquest and public inquiry. She then progressed to political correspondent based at Westminster from 1999, reporting on multiple UK general elections, political leadership changes and major stories like the Cash for Honours affair and MPs’ expenses. This period helped cement her reputation as a versatile political journalist capable of reporting across platforms — TV, radio and digital.
Major Programs and Coverage
Over her three‑decade career, Reeta has become one of the most recognizable faces of BBC News. She regularly presents flagship bulletins such as BBC News at One, BBC News at Six, BBC News at Ten and BBC Weekend News, and often appears on the BBC News Channel and *BBC World News. Her work extends beyond studio presentation; she has reported from locations such as Lviv during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and anchored coverage of global events including the French presidential election from Paris.
Reporting Style and Reputation
Chakrabarti is widely respected for her calm, authoritative delivery and her ability to explain complex issues clearly. Her reporting spans politics, social affairs, education and international crises, displaying a blend of empathy and journalistic rigor. Colleagues and audiences often describe her as a trusted and reassuring presence, particularly during periods of national or global uncertainty, such as the COVID‑19 pandemic and major elections.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Chakrabarti has earned significant academic and professional honours. She was made an honorary fellow of Exeter College, Oxford, and an honorary doctor of letters by York St John University. In 2019 she became the Chancellor of York St John University and also holds honorary fellowships at the University College London and other institutions. These honours reflect her contributions to journalism, education and public life.
Current Role and Contributions
Today, Reeta Chakrabarti remains a chief presenter and senior correspondent at BBC News, anchoring major bulletins and reporting on key national and international events. Beyond broadcasting, she is also an author — her debut novel Finding Belle was published in May 2025 — and an advocate for diversity and wider participation in media. She continues to engage audiences with insightful analysis, mentor emerging talent and contribute to cultural and educational institutions.
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