Ben Hunte Biography: 7 Powerful Facts About the Award-Winning CNN Journalist Breaking Barriers
Name Ben Hunte
Age 32 (Born 22 October 1992)
Job CNN Anchor & Correspondent
Known For First BBC LGBT Correspondent, VICE Global Correspondent, CNN Anchor
Partner Tom
Net Worth Estimated $1–5 million
Nationality British
Education BSc Neuroscience (Nottingham Malaysia); MA Broadcast Journalism (City, University of London)
Ben Hunte Biography: Introduction
Ben Hunte Biography spotlights the life and work of an award-winning British journalist and anchor, currently serving as a CNN Correspondent based in Atlanta and London. He anchors CNN Newsroom for international audiences and reports across CNN programming with a focus on social justice and LGBTQ+ stories. Ben previously worked at VICE News as Global Correspondent and at the BBC as its first-ever LGBT Correspondent and West Africa Correspondent. His impactful storytelling has won him global recognition, from Forbes 30 Under 30 to Emmy nominations.
Early Life & Education
Born on October 22, 1992, in Walthamstow, London, Ben Hunte is of Caribbean descent. He attended Davenant Foundation School before receiving a full scholarship to the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, where he earned a BSc in Neuroscience. He served as president of the Students’ Association and co-founded Ignite magazine.
He later completed a Master of Arts in Broadcast Journalism at the City, University of London—again on a full scholarship. Hunte has since received an Alumni Laureate Award from Nottingham and the prestigious XCity Award from City University.
Ben Hunte Biography: Career Timeline
Google & YouTube (Pre-2017):
Ben began his professional journey at Google in Ireland as a Strategic Partnership Manager. Simultaneously, he launched a YouTube channel, growing his audience to over 100,000 followers before transitioning into journalism.
2017–2019: BBC News Africa & World Service
Starting as a BBC News intern, Hunte quickly rose to prominence as a presenter for BBC Africa. He helped launch What’s New?, the BBC’s first youth-focused TV show in Africa, and hosted Ben Hunte Interviews on BBC Radio 4.
2019–2021: BBC’s First LGBT Correspondent & West Africa Role
In 2019, Ben became the BBC’s first LGBT Correspondent, covering gender, sexuality, and identity across platforms. By 2020, he was named Journalist of the Year by One Young World and topped The Guardian and Diva Magazine’s Pride Power List.
In 2021, he served as the BBC’s West Africa Correspondent, reporting from Senegal and other countries.
2021–2024: VICE News – Global Investigations
Hunte joined Vice News in September 2021 and became a Global Correspondent by 2023. His investigations covered:
- Transphobia at the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
- Racism in LGBTQ dating spaces
- LGBTQ rights movements in Hungary and Namibia
- Reaction in Jamaica to the Queen’s death
- LGBTQ people stranded in Ukraine due to mismatched ID documents
- Secret UK government meetings with “ex-gay” groups
- The government’s quiet defunding of LGBT anti-bullying programs
His reporting drove policy debates in the UK Parliament and catalyzed charity donations exceeding $100,000.
2024–Present: CNN Anchor & Correspondent
Since October 2024, Ben Hunte has served as an anchor for CNN Newsroom, reaching audiences across EMEA, Asia, and the US. He also contributes in-depth reports on LGBTQ+ rights and global injustice.
Investigative Impact & Recognition
Ben Hunte Biography wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the high-impact journalism he’s known for:
- Exposed Scotland’s blocked gender bill by UK officials
- Published anti-trans guidance previously scrapped by EHRC
- Investigated racism claims at Manchester Pride
- Influenced UK blood donation and PrEP policy
- Covered the UK police’s mishandling of LGBTQ+ and racial abuse cases
- Reported on electroshock conversion therapy practices
Ben Hunte Biography: Awards & Accolades
- Winner – Out D’Or Foreign Press Award, France (2023)
- Winner – Forbes 30 Under 30 (2022)
- Winner – Journalist of the Year, One Young World (2020)
- Winner – Alumni Laureate Award, Univ. of Nottingham (2019)
- Finalist – News & Doc Emmy: Outstanding Recorded News Program (2023)
- Finalist – British Journalism Awards: Specialist & Social Affairs (2020–2022)
- Finalist – Royal Television Society: Young Talent of the Year (2020)
- Finalist – PinkNews: Journalist of the Year (2020)
- Finalist – International Emmys: Kids Factual Programme (2019)
Personal Life
Ben is in a long-term relationship with Tom, a professional footballer. He’s been candid about navigating life as a Black gay journalist and survivor of sexual abuse. His transparency has made him a vital voice on mental health and inclusion.
Happy birthday (again) to my beautiful boyfriend, Tom 🎈
Here’s a photo from our first visit to Brighton in 2017, plus Tom & Roxy on the same beach today…
While the world burns, and things seem so uncertain, it is such a blessing to have you in my life ❤️🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/bWMwslQeZt
— Ben Hunte (@BenInLDN) March 17, 2024
Social Media & Embeds
Hello from CNN London! 🇬🇧
I’ll be making my debut as a CNN Anchor & Correspondent very soon…
For all stories, keynotes, panels & chats: Ben.hunte@cnn.com or DM ✉️
I can’t wait to explore LGBTQ stories and breaking news from across the world 🏳️🌈 🌍 pic.twitter.com/odWhlhjnB9
— Ben Hunte (@BenInLDN) December 11, 2024
Net Worth & Salary
According to public reports, Ben Hunte’s estimated net worth ranges from $1 to $5 million. He earns primarily from CNN, public speaking, freelance writing, and brand collaborations.
Ben Hunte Biography: Trivia & Lesser-Known Facts
- Was a Strategic Partnership Manager at Google
- Interviewed LGBTQ+ trailblazers across Africa and the UK
- Was featured on Attitude Magazine’s cover (2019)
- Frequently travels with his rescue dog
- Played a key role in CNN’s LGBTQ+ programming direction
Ben Hunte Biography: FAQs
1. Where is Ben Hunte working now? He is a CNN Anchor and Correspondent based in Atlanta and London.
2. What is Ben Hunte’s biography focus? His reporting centers on LGBTQ rights, racial injustice, and social equity.
3. What’s Ben Hunte’s educational background? BSc Neuroscience (Nottingham Malaysia), MA Broadcast Journalism (City, University of London).
4. Who is Ben Hunte’s partner? He’s in a relationship with Tom, a footballer.
5. What are some of his recent achievements? Out D’or Award (2023), Forbes 30 Under 30 (2022), Emmy Finalist (2023).
Ben Hunte Biography: Conclusion
Ben Hunte Biography is a compelling story of resilience, truth-telling, and global journalism excellence. From Google to CNN, Ben’s journey proves that fearless reporting can shift narratives and spark change.
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Written by the Fact‑Pedia team with verified sources from BBC, CNN, Forbes, The Times, Attitude, and other reputable outlets.
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