Jon Sopel Biography: Introduction
This Jon Sopel Biography offers an in-depth look at one of Britain’s most recognized broadcast journalists and podcast hosts. Jon Sopel is a prominent British journalist, author, and podcast host, widely known today for co-hosting the chart-topping political podcast The News Agents alongside Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall. Formerly the BBC’s North America Editor and long-time news anchor, Sopel’s voice remains influential in both traditional media and the fast-growing world of digital audio. In 2024–2025, he continues to capture attention for his podcasting success, outspoken political views, and recent literary work, including Strangeland: How Britain Stopped Making Sense. This Jon Sopel Biography explores his full life journey, media achievements, and personal insights.
Jon Sopel Biography: Early Life & Education
Jonathan B. Sopel was born on 22 May 1959 in London, England, to Jewish parents Miriam and Myer Sopel, the latter a Vice-President of the Association of Jewish Youth. The family later moved from Stepney to Finchley, North London, when Jon was eleven. He attended Christ’s College, Finchley, before enrolling at the University of Southampton, graduating with a 2:1 honours degree in Politics and Sociology. While there, he served as president of the Students’ Union and led the National Organisation of Labour Students from 1982 to 1983.
Jon Sopel Biography: Career Timeline
- 1983: Started as a freelance writer and broadcaster; joined BBC Radio Solent as a reporter and producer.
- 1990s: Became BBC Paris Correspondent, covering the British beef ban, the Concorde crash, French politics, and EU presidency.
- 2003: Appointed presenter on the BBC News Channel, co-anchoring with Louise Minchin and Emily Maitlis.
- 2003: Served as BBC correspondent during the Iraq invasion in Kuwait City.
- 2005: Replaced Jeremy Vine as main presenter of The Politics Show on BBC One until it ended in 2011.
- 2012: Became presenter of Global with Jon Sopel, aired Monday to Thursday on BBC World News.
- 2014–2021: Appointed BBC North America Editor, covering the 2016 and 2020 U.S. elections and the Trump presidency.
- 2020: Co-hosted Americast with Emily Maitlis and Anthony Zurcher; it became the UK’s #1 podcast on iTunes.
- 2022: Left the BBC to sign exclusively with Global and LBC; launched The News Agents.
- 2023–2025: Hosts The News Agents podcast, writes books, and regularly appears on political panels and festivals.
Podcast: The News Agents & Strangeland
Jon Sopel’s podcast The News Agents debuted in 2022 and quickly became a major force in UK political journalism. Alongside Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall, Sopel offers in-depth commentary, interviews, and humour around current affairs. The podcast’s success has led to live events, spin-offs, and industry awards.
In 2024, Sopel released Strangeland: How Britain Stopped Making Sense, which critiques the nation’s political and cultural fractures. He previously co-created the true-crime podcast Strangeland about unsolved murders in South Korea.
Books by Jon Sopel
- Tony Blair: The Moderniser (1995)
- If Only They Didn’t Speak English: Notes from Trump’s America (2017)
- A Year At The Circus: Inside Trump’s White House (2019)
- UnPresidented: Politics, pandemics and the race that Trumped all others (2021)
- Strangeland: How Britain Stopped Making Sense (2024)
Sopel’s titles blend political analysis with sharp observations. The title If Only They Didn’t Speak English sparked controversy in 2024 when cited in a hate incident report, which Sopel publicly criticized as “utterly preposterous.”
Jon Sopel Biography: Personal Life
Jon is married to Linda Twissell (Linda Sopel), whom he met while working at Radio Solent. They married in 1988 and honeymooned in the Masai Mara, Kenya. They live in North London and have two children: Anna and Max. His son, Max Sopel, leads a private life outside the media.
Sopel survived a serious motorcycle accident in 2010, requiring hip surgery, and has had brushes with danger while reporting in war zones like Afghanistan in 2001.
Where Does Jon Sopel Live?
Jon Sopel resides in North London, though he frequently travels for live podcast shows and political events across the UK and internationally.
How Do I Email Jon Sopel?
Professional contact can be made via Global Media or through The News Agents podcast contact page on Global Player. He does not publicly share a personal email.
Who Is the Male Correspondent for BBC North America?
Jon Sopel served as the BBC’s North America Editor until October 2021. He was succeeded by Sarah Smith. Before Sopel, Mark Mardell held the role, and Justin Webb briefly filled in during the transition.
Jon Sopel Biography: Awards & Honors
- Political Journalist of the Year – Public Affairs Industry (2007)
- Honorary Doctorate of Letters – University of Southampton (2011)
- Shortlisted: National Presenter of the Year – RTS Journalism Awards (2013)
- Pro-Chancellor – University of Southampton (2016)
- Ambassador – The Prince’s Trust
Jon Sopel Biography: Recent Updates (2024–2025)
- Launched and promoted Strangeland (2024)
- Addressed BBC’s “both sides-ism” as a reason for his departure
- Participated in a high-profile Hay Festival panel in partnership with The Independent
- Active on BlueSky Social and continues to grow his reach beyond legacy media
Jon Sopel Biography: Net Worth & Salary
While Jon Sopel’s salary at Global remains private, his estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million as of 2025. This includes book royalties, podcast income, speaking engagements, and over 30 years in broadcasting.
Jon Sopel Biography: Trivia & Lesser-Known Facts
- As a child, Jon wanted to be a Tottenham footballer or a train driver.
- His parents were deeply involved in the East End Jewish community.
- Sopel resigned from the BBC due to editorial frustrations.
- His podcast, Americast, was meant to end in 2020 but was extended due to high demand.
- Sopel remains close friends and collaborators with Emily Maitlis.
Jon Sopel Biography: FAQs
1. How old is Jon Sopel in 2025? He is 66 years old, born in May 1959.
2. Is Jon Sopel still working with Emily Maitlis? Yes, he co-hosts The News Agents with her and Lewis Goodall.
3. Where can I listen to Jon Sopel’s podcast? You can find The News Agents on Global Player, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.
4. What was Jon Sopel’s last role at the BBC? He was North America Editor and previously hosted Global with Jon Sopel.
5. Is Jon Sopel married? Yes, he is married to Linda Sopel, and they have two children.
Jon Sopel Biography: Conclusion
Jon Sopel’s transition from BBC stalwart to podcasting powerhouse reflects the shift in journalism’s future. From war reporting to bestselling political books and co-hosting The News Agents, his voice remains vital in UK media. For more on his colleagues, check out our profiles on Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall.
Sources:
- Global Player – The News Agents
- BBC Profile – Jon Sopel
- BBC News – Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel to leave BBC to launch podcast and host LBC show
- Instagram – @jonsopel
- X (Twitter) – @jonsopel
- BlueSky – @jonsopel
- The Independent – Hay Festival Coverage
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