James Hanson: Rising Voice of British Broadcasting
James Hanson has emerged as one of the most distinctive and dynamic voices in British broadcasting. Known for his insightful political commentary, sharp interviewing style, and engaging on-air presence, Hanson is a presenter at LBC and LBC News, a columnist for The Spectator, and the host of the successful YouTube series History Undone. His career, built across the BBC, Times Radio, and now Global, demonstrates both resilience and versatility in an ever-changing media landscape. This article explores Hanson’s journey, achievements, and future potential in detail.
James Hanson: Early Life and Education
Academic Background
James Hanson was born and raised in the United Kingdom. He attended Clifton College, a prestigious independent school, from 1997 until 2011. During these years, he began developing the communication skills and intellectual curiosity that would later define his broadcasting style.
After completing school, Hanson enrolled at the University of Leeds, graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics. His academic focus on political studies strongly influenced his later career as a journalist and presenter, equipping him with analytical skills and a deep interest in current affairs.
James Hanson’s Early Career in Broadcasting
Student Radio Achievements
Hanson’s broadcasting journey began during his university years. At Leeds Student Radio, he held several roles, including Programme Controller and Head of Speech, before stepping up as a Presenter. His talent quickly became evident, winning recognition at the Student Radio Awards. In 2014, he secured Silver in the Kevin Greening Award for Creativity and was nominated for Student Broadcast Journalist of the Year at the Guardian Student Media Awards. That same year, he was crowned Broadcast Presenter of the Year at the O2 Media Awards, with judges describing him as “the most exciting radio talent to come out of Leeds since Chris Moyles.”
Early BBC Roles
In 2014, Hanson joined BBC Radio Somerset as a Broadcast Assistant, later moving up to Broadcast Journalist. His role included producing, reporting, and newsreading, gaining hands-on experience across multiple areas of local broadcasting. By 2016, he moved to BBC Radio Bristol, where he honed his craft further, presenting weekend shows and occasionally appearing on national platforms like BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show.
James Hanson at BBC Radio Bristol
The Flagship Breakfast Show
In 2021, James Hanson became the Breakfast Show Presenter at BBC Radio Bristol. This was a pivotal moment in his career. As the voice of the morning programme, Hanson connected with thousands of listeners across the region, offering news, analysis, and interviews on the most pressing issues of the day.
The Liz Truss Interview
One of Hanson’s most defining moments came in September 2022, when he interviewed then-Prime Minister Liz Truss. The exchange attracted national and international attention, praised for its directness and journalistic integrity. The Broadcast Press Guild Award recognised the interview as “game-changing,” cementing Hanson’s reputation as a fearless interviewer unafraid to challenge those in power.
James Hanson at Times Radio
Expanding National Reach
In July 2023, Hanson joined Times Radio, a national speech radio station connected to The Times and The Sunday Times. He presented across various programmes, including Breakfast, Drive, Afternoons, and Early Breakfast. This period allowed Hanson to broaden his audience and establish himself within the competitive world of national speech radio.
Host of Frontline
While at Times Radio, Hanson also hosted Frontline, a YouTube interview series exploring the war in Ukraine. The programme attracted millions of viewers worldwide, offering in-depth analysis and human perspectives on the conflict. Hanson’s calm yet probing style made the series a success, reaching hundreds of millions globally and demonstrating his ability to adapt traditional journalism for digital platforms.
James Hanson Joins LBC and LBC News
The Move to Global
In April 2025, Hanson moved to Global, the parent company of LBC and LBC News. He now presents two regular slots:
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Sunday mornings (4–7 am) on LBC, the UK’s most prominent commercial talk station.
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Monday to Thursday evenings (7–10 pm) on LBC News, the rolling national news channel.
These shows have given Hanson a nationwide platform to showcase his journalistic skills and connect with diverse audiences.
A Trusted Broadcaster
James Hanson’s presence on LBC represents a significant step forward in his career. LBC has built a reputation for holding politicians to account and providing sharp analysis of UK and global issues. Hanson’s background, particularly his memorable interview with Liz Truss, makes him an ideal fit for the station’s ethos.
James Hanson as a Columnist and Writer
Alongside broadcasting, Hanson contributes regular columns to The Spectator, one of the UK’s leading political and cultural magazines. His writing reflects the same qualities as his broadcasting: clarity, critical analysis, and a willingness to challenge consensus. He covers both domestic British politics and international affairs, showcasing his depth of knowledge and keen perspective.
James Hanson and History Undone
Exploring Military History
Since 2024, Hanson has fronted History Undone with James Hanson, a YouTube series produced by Talk Productions. The programme explores decisive battles and campaigns in history, asking “what if” questions that engage audiences in strategic and historical thinking.
Popularity and Global Reach
The series quickly attracted a large following, adding a new dimension to Hanson’s career. By blending journalism with history, he demonstrates versatility as a communicator, appealing not only to news audiences but also to history enthusiasts worldwide.
James Hanson as an Event Host and Voiceover Artist
Beyond broadcasting, Hanson is also an experienced event host. He has chaired expert panels, presented corporate awards, and provided professional voiceovers for both the BBC and commercial clients. His polished style and confident stage presence make him a sought-after figure for live events.
Awards and Recognition
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Broadcast Press Guild Award (2022) – for the Liz Truss interview.
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Kevin Greening Award, Silver (2014) – celebrating creativity in student radio.
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O2 Media Awards, Broadcast Presenter of the Year (2014) – for outstanding student radio presentation.
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Guardian Student Media Awards Nominee (2014) – for Student Broadcast Journalist of the Year.
These accolades highlight a career marked by consistent recognition for originality, professionalism, and impact.
James Hanson: Personal Interests
Away from the microphone, James Hanson lives in South London. He has a strong passion for travel, culture, and sport. Among his personal ambitions is the goal of visiting every presidential library in the United States, reflecting his lifelong interest in politics and history.
Conclusion: The Future of James Hanson
James Hanson represents the next generation of British broadcasters: sharp, versatile, and unafraid to challenge authority. From his early days at Leeds Student Radio to national prominence at the BBC, Times Radio, and now LBC, Hanson’s career trajectory is remarkable. His writing for The Spectator and his hosting of History Undone further underline his multifaceted talent.
With a unique combination of journalistic rigour, on-air charisma, and historical insight, James Hanson is poised to continue shaping the conversation in British media. As audiences increasingly demand both integrity and clarity from their broadcasters, Hanson’s voice will remain one of the most influential on radio, online, and beyond.
