Laura Trant: Accomplished BBC News Presenter, Journalist and Media Coach
Laura Trant is a name synonymous with professionalism, adaptability, and credibility in British broadcasting. With over two decades of experience in television and radio, she has built a reputation not only as a trusted news presenter but also as a communications expert and media consultant. Known for her dynamic presence on BBC South Today, as well as her national appearances on BBC News, BBC Breakfast, and the World Service, Laura Trant has become a familiar and respected figure to audiences across the United Kingdom and internationally. Beyond her journalism career, she now uses her expertise to coach business leaders, executives, and spokespeople in the art of effective communication.
Early Life and Background
Roots in the South of England
Laura Trant was born in Dorset and raised in and around Southampton and the New Forest. She describes herself as a “southern girl through and through,” and her roots in this part of the country shaped much of her outlook and passion for community and storytelling.
Interests Outside Broadcasting
Away from the camera, Laura enjoys making the most of life in the South, spending time on local beaches or walking in the New Forest. She is also a keen runner, an enthusiastic though self-confessed “bad” tennis player, and enjoys painting and cooking. Family plays an important role in her life, and she has fond memories of visiting her cousins’ farm in Ireland, where she has even helped with milking cows.
Career Beginnings in Broadcasting
First Steps at BBC Radio Solent
Laura’s broadcasting journey began at BBC Radio Solent, where she first honed her skills as a producer and journalist. This experience provided a solid foundation for her later work on both radio and television.
Radio Experience with BBC
She went on to work on several national radio programmes, including high-profile shows on BBC Radio 2 such as the Jeremy Vine Show and Michael Parkinson’s programme. Her time in radio gave her valuable skills in research, production, and live broadcasting.
Progression into Television
Work on BBC Newsround and CBBC
In the early years of her career, Laura worked on BBC Newsround as an assistant producer, bringing engaging stories to younger audiences. This experience showcased her versatility and ability to communicate effectively with different age groups.
Press Association and Channel 5
Before joining BBC South Today, Laura also worked as a presenter for the Press Association and gained further experience as an assistant producer at Channel 5. These varied roles helped her develop a well-rounded understanding of media production.
BBC South Today: Establishing a Trusted Face
Regional Anchor and Presenter
From 2007 to 2021, Laura Trant was a central figure on BBC South Today, the regional news programme for the South of England. She anchored the main evening bulletin, as well as breakfast, lunchtime, and evening news slots.
Reporting from the Field
Laura thrived on reporting from the scene, covering everything from armed robberies to local community stories. Her adaptability meant she could handle hard news with authority but also bring warmth and relatability to lighter features.
Special Assignments
During her time with South Today, she also took on international reporting, including producing and presenting a series from post-genocide Rwanda. She also became a familiar face as part of BBC Children in Need, hosting live outside broadcasts and feature films for the charity appeal.
National and International BBC News
Correspondent and Newsreader
From 2012, Laura moved into national roles with BBC News, appearing across flagship bulletins such as the One, Six and Ten O’Clock News, the BBC News Channel, BBC Breakfast, and BBC World News. Her work also extended to radio, including appearances on Radio 4’s Today Programme, BBC Five Live, and the World Service.
Skills and Strengths
Her work as a national correspondent and newsreader demanded the ability to adapt rapidly to changing events, break down complex stories, and deliver them with clarity to millions of viewers and listeners. Laura’s skills include live presenting, newsroom communication, strategic messaging, interviewing, and handling sensitive issues with professionalism.
Media Coaching and Consultancy
Helping Leaders Communicate
Today, alongside her journalism, Laura Trant works as a media consultant and presentation coach. She specialises in preparing leaders and executives for high-stakes interviews, presentations, and public engagements.
Her coaching focuses on:
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Shaping and amplifying key messages.
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Building confidence in dealing with live audiences and media scrutiny.
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Teaching techniques to stay calm under pressure and maintain control of interviews.
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Enhancing delivery through body language, tone, and relatability.
Training Formats
Laura offers training one-to-one or in group workshops. Sessions can be delivered at clients’ offices, in TV studios, or online. Her approach is entirely bespoke, confidential, and tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Personal Attributes
Adaptability and Resilience
Throughout her career, Laura Trant has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. Whether she is presenting a live news bulletin, reporting on breaking news, or teaching a CEO how to deliver a powerful speech, she shows composure, confidence, and credibility.
Relatability
Audiences and clients alike value her ability to connect. She engages with people from all walks of life, whether interviewing politicians, celebrities, or members of the public.
Recognition and Reputation
Laura has built an established reputation from 20 years of delivering first-class TV and radio broadcasts. She is respected both inside the newsroom and beyond, trusted to bring clarity to fast-moving stories and to represent the BBC brand on a global stage.
Her coaching clients benefit from this wealth of experience, gaining insights into how to deliver messages with authority and impact.
Personal Life
Despite her public career, Laura keeps her personal life private. There is no confirmed public information about her age, marital status, or wedding. What is clear, however, is her passion for journalism, her roots in the South of England, and her commitment to helping others communicate effectively.
Conclusion
Laura Trant exemplifies what it means to be a modern journalist: resilient, versatile, and trusted. Her career path — from BBC Radio Solent to BBC South Today and then national and international BBC News — reflects her dedication and adaptability.
Today, she balances her continued journalism with a growing reputation as a media coach and consultant, empowering leaders and executives to communicate with clarity and impact.
Her story is one of constant evolution, grounded in authenticity and driven by a passion for connecting with audiences. Whether in the newsroom, the studio, or the training room, Laura Trant continues to make a lasting impact on journalism and communication.
