Hannah Gelbart: The Inspiring Journey of a BBC News Lead Presenter and Award-Winning Journalist

Hannah Gelbart is widely recognised as one of the most dynamic and influential voices in contemporary British journalism. As a BBC News lead presenter, award-winning podcast host, multilingual storyteller, and investigative reporter, she has carved out a remarkable career defined by innovation, integrity, and impact.

Her work spans podcasts, digital storytelling, international reporting, and on-screen presenting. Through her powerful ability to simplify complex global issues for younger audiences, Hannah Gelbart has become a standout figure at the BBC and beyond.

Who is Hannah Gelbart?

Hannah Gelbart is a British journalist, presenter, podcast host, and investigative reporter best known for leading the BBC World Service daily news podcast What in the World. Her work blends digital culture, global reporting, human-centred storytelling, and multilingual communication—a combination that sets her apart in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

She joined the BBC in September 2015, marking the start of a decade-long journey from trainee to international presenter.

Hannah Gelbart Age (Estimated)

Although she has not publicly disclosed her exact date of birth, analysis of her academic and career timeline reveals a realistic estimate.

• Graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2014

• Joined the BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme in 2015

Based on the typical graduation age, Hannah Gelbart’s estimated age in 2025 is 32–33 years old.
This is an approximation, as she keeps her personal life private.

Hannah Gelbart BBC News Career Overview

From 2015 to 2025, Hannah Gelbart grew from a trainee journalist into one of the BBC’s most visible and versatile presenters. Her career reflects deep commitment, passion, and adaptability in a changing media environment.

Early Life, Education, and Linguistic Talent

Cambridge University Excellence

Hannah studied at the University of Cambridge, earning a Double First Class BA in Modern and Medieval Languages. She specialised in:

• Spanish

• Portuguese

• Catalan

Her year abroad shaped both her worldview and journalistic identity, as she worked for BBC News in Madrid and volunteered at a capoeira community project in Brazil. These experiences strengthened her linguistic fluency and her understanding of global cultures.

Multilingual Advantage

Hannah speaks five languages, a skill that has significantly enriched her reporting for BBC Africa, BBC Languages, and her international assignments across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Hannah Gelbart at BBC News – A Decade of Storytelling

Joining the BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme

In September 2015, Hannah entered the BBC through its competitive flagship trainee programme—selected from more than 5,000 applicants. She quickly became known for her storytelling talent, digital skills, and sharp editorial sense.

Rising Through Multiple BBC Roles

Over the next ten years, she held a variety of influential positions:

• Broadcast Journalist

• Social Media Video Journalist

• Video Journalist for Business & Tech

• Senior Journalist for BBC News at Six and Ten

• Digital Launch Producer for BBC My World (executive-produced by Angelina Jolie)

• Digital Journalist & Reporter for BBC Africa

• World Service Radio Presenter & Reporter

• Senior Investigative Journalist

• Lead Presenter & Podcast Host

Deployment and Field Reporting

Her assignments have taken her to:

• New York

• Manila

• Kuala Lumpur

• Accra, Ghana

• Lagos

These global experiences helped her develop a reporting style that combines emotional depth with factual clarity.

What in the World – Hannah Gelbart’s Award-Winning Podcast

Launching a Daily Global News Podcast

In 2023, Hannah Gelbart piloted and launched What in the World, a daily BBC World Service podcast aimed at 16–25-year-olds. The programme breaks down global stories in under 15 minutes, making international news accessible, warm, and engaging.

Podcast Success and Global Recognition

Her work has earned several industry accolades, including:

• British Podcast Awards 2024 – Silver for Best Daily Podcast

• Episodes reaching 2.5M+ views on YouTube

• International recognition for fresh, youthful storytelling

Why the Podcast Stands Out

Hannah’s strength lies in speaking to younger audiences without oversimplifying the world. Her delivery offers clarity, empathy, and balance—traits that have propelled the podcast’s success.

Investigative Journalism – Hannah Gelbart’s Impactful Work

Hannah has developed a reputation for uncovering hidden harms across digital platforms. Her investigations often connect online behaviour with real-world consequences.

Major Investigations

‘TikTok Begging’ – Amnesty Media Award Finalist

Exposed how families in Syrian refugee camps were livestreaming for gifts while TikTok collected up to 70% of donations.

Ukraine War Scams

Documented how cybercriminals exploited charitable donations during the early months of the conflict.

Telegram Doxxing Networks

Revealed widespread non-consensual sharing of women’s intimate photos.

Fake Medicines & Digital Deception

Reported on dangerous counterfeit drugs and the mobile technology designed to detect them.

Her ability to merge digital forensics with compassionate storytelling makes her investigations especially impactful.

Awards and Honours

Hannah Gelbart’s career is distinguished by numerous accolades:

• Global Women in News Award 2025

• Inspiring Women in News – Editorial Impact (GWiN Awards)

• British Podcast Awards 2024 – Silver

• Amnesty Media Awards 2023 – Shortlisted

• Lovie Award 2019 – Bronze for BBC 100 Women: Trailblazers

• FIPP ‘Rising Stars in Media’ Award 2018

These achievements reflect her contribution to youth journalism, digital storytelling, and investigative reporting.

Public Speaking, TEDx and Global Presence

TEDx Graz – 2025 Appearance

In October 2025, Hannah delivered a TEDx talk in Graz, Austria—further establishing her as a thought leader on journalism, digital culture, and global narratives.

Media Events

She has spoken at major industry events, including:

• RadioDays Asia

• BBC Academy Fusion

• Podcasting festivals in Africa and Europe

Hannah Gelbart Instagram and Personal Interests

Instagram Presence (@hannahgelbartbbc)

Hannah’s Instagram features:

• Behind-the-scenes journalism

• Podcast studio moments

• International reporting trips

• Acrobatic training and flying trapeze

• Travel across Latin America and Africa

• TEDx highlights

• Personal reflections on her 10-year BBC journey

Her feed combines professionalism, creativity, and personality—strengthening her connection with global audiences.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Hannah is passionate about:

• Partner acrobatics

• Cuban salsa

• Flying trapeze

• Travel and cultural exploration

She announced a short sabbatical in late 2025 to travel across Latin America, planning to return to the BBC in spring.

Quick Info

Why Hannah Gelbart Represents the Future of British Journalism

Hannah Gelbart’s journalism stands out for its humanity, clarity, and innovation. She represents a new generation of reporters who bridge traditional storytelling with digital fluency, global empathy, and youth engagement.

Her multilingual ability, deep investigative work, award-winning podcasting, and on-screen presence position her as one of the BBC’s most promising presenters.

FAQs

1. Who is Hannah Gelbart?

Hannah Gelbart is a British journalist, BBC News lead presenter, award-winning podcast host, and investigative reporter. She is best known for hosting the BBC World Service daily news podcast What in the World and for her impactful digital and international reporting.

2. What is Hannah Gelbart’s age?

Hannah Gelbart has not publicly disclosed her exact date of birth. However, based on her graduation year and early BBC career timeline, her estimated age in 2025 is around 32–33 years old.

3. What is Hannah Gelbart known for at BBC News?

She is known for her work as the lead presenter of What in the World, her award-winning investigations into digital harms and global crises, and her decade-long career across BBC Africa, BBC World Service, BBC Business, and BBC News digital storytelling programmes.

4. Is Hannah Gelbart active on Instagram?

Yes. Hannah Gelbart’s Instagram account @hannahgelbartbbc showcases behind-the-scenes reporting, podcast work, international assignments, acrobatics, travel, and personal milestones from her BBC journey.

5. Has Hannah Gelbart won any awards?

Yes. She has received several major honours, including the Global Women in News Award (2025), British Podcast Awards Silver (2024), a shortlisting at the Amnesty Media Awards (2023), and earlier recognition such as the Lovie Award (2019) and the FIPP Rising Stars in Media Award (2018).

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