Tom Cheshire: The Story of Sky News’ BAFTA-Winning Data & Forensics Correspondent
Who is Tom Cheshire?
Tom Cheshire is a distinguished British journalist and television correspondent best known for his work with Sky News, where he currently serves as the Data and Forensics Correspondent. Over more than a decade, Cheshire has carved a unique path in modern journalism, combining classical training, technological expertise, and fearless reporting from across the world’s most dynamic regions. His career has taken him from the editorial offices of WIRED UK to the streets of Beijing, and eventually to the forefront of investigative and data-driven reporting in London.
Born on 28 July (estimated around 1987–1988), Tom Cheshire represents a new generation of journalists who merge storytelling with digital analysis, humanising complex global events for a broad audience. His name is widely recognised across British media for both his field reporting and his innovative approach to explaining data and technology trends.
Early Life and Education of Tom Cheshire
A Cambridge Classicist with a Modern Edge
Tom Cheshire studied Classics at the University of Cambridge, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 2009. His time at Cambridge equipped him with analytical, linguistic, and philosophical skills that would later form the foundation of his storytelling. Studying ancient civilisations, rhetoric, and philosophy nurtured his curiosity about human nature, communication, and society—traits that seamlessly translated into journalism.
While many of his contemporaries followed traditional academic routes, Cheshire used his classical education to explore the intersection of history, innovation, and human ambition. This intellectual versatility would later be reflected in both his editorial work and his award-winning field reporting.
Tom Cheshire’s Early Career in Journalism
From Condé Nast to WIRED Magazine
Tom Cheshire’s professional journey began in 2009 as an Editorial Assistant at Condé Nast Publications, one of the most prestigious publishing houses in the world. Working within this environment exposed him to high editorial standards and the creative discipline that defines legacy media.
After his initial experience at Condé Nast, Cheshire joined WIRED Magazine (UK) in 2011. Within a short period, he rose from Assistant Editor to Associate Editor, playing a key role in shaping the publication’s technology and innovation coverage. His writing focused on how emerging technologies influence business, politics, and culture, showcasing his ability to explain complex concepts in an engaging and accessible style.
Cheshire’s years at WIRED cemented his reputation as a leading voice in technology journalism. He wrote extensively about artificial intelligence, robotics, data privacy, and the future of digital communication—topics that would continue to define his professional identity.
Joining Sky News: The Next Chapter
Becoming a Technology Correspondent
In 2014, Tom Cheshire transitioned from print journalism to broadcasting when he joined Sky News as a Technology Correspondent. His move reflected a broader shift in global journalism—where digital and television reporting increasingly overlap.
At Sky News, Cheshire covered major developments in Silicon Valley, data privacy controversies, and the fast-evolving world of social media platforms. His calm, authoritative delivery and ability to simplify technical subjects quickly earned him a loyal following among viewers.
Tom Cheshire as Asia Correspondent
Reporting from Beijing and Beyond
In 2018, Tom Cheshire was appointed Asia Correspondent for Sky News and relocated to Beijing, China. From there, he reported on some of the most consequential stories in recent history. His assignments included:
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Covering the Hong Kong protests (2019), capturing the voices of demonstrators and the complex politics of autonomy.
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Reporting on the Easter terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka (2019), providing on-the-ground updates in a time of crisis.
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Documenting the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, one of the first Western journalists to cover the unfolding situation.
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Visiting North Korea three times, an extraordinary feat considering the regime’s strict media restrictions.
Cheshire’s coverage was marked by balance, clarity, and human depth. His ability to report sensitive international stories under pressure earned him industry recognition, including a BAFTA award for his team’s exceptional reporting from China.
The Data and Forensics Era
A New Focus on Digital Investigation
In September 2022, Tom Cheshire took on his current position as Data & Forensics Correspondent at Sky News. This role places him at the intersection of technology, data analysis, and investigative reporting.
Covers include topics such as cybercrime, misinformation, artificial intelligence, and the digital footprints shaping modern geopolitics. Cheshire’s work in this field highlights his evolution from a technology writer into a leading data journalist.
His reporting is analytical yet accessible, often combining statistics, satellite imagery, and open-source intelligence (OSINT) to explain global events. Through this innovative lens, Cheshire continues to redefine how mainstream audiences understand complex digital issues.
Personal Life: Marriage and Private World
Tom Cheshire and Constance Barnwell
Tom Cheshire is married to Constance Barnwell, who serves as Co-Creative Director at Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, one of the United Kingdom’s most renowned luxury cosmetics brands.
The couple’s love story became public when British Vogue featured their wedding in an exclusive 2024 article. The pair first met on the dating app Hinge, and within months, their connection blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Cheshire proposed during a winter walk on the Isle of Wight on Christmas Eve 2023—a romantic moment later shared in interviews.
Their civil ceremony took place at The Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace, London, attended by close family. They later held a spectacular celebration at Villa Mabrouka in Tangier, Morocco, the former home of fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. The event was organised with creative input from designer Jasper Conran, who transformed the villa into a 1960s-inspired setting with Moroccan flair.
The Vogue feature described the occasion as “a rooftop ceremony at sunset beneath a crushed-velvet purple sky”—a fitting image for a couple whose lives merge media, creativity, and culture.
Age and Background
Though Tom Cheshire’s exact year of birth is not publicly disclosed, available information suggests he was born around 1987–1988, making him approximately 37 or 38 years old. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Cheshire’s upbringing remains largely private, reflecting his professional discretion and focus on storytelling rather than self-promotion.
Despite his global reporting assignments, Cheshire remains deeply rooted in London, where he currently resides with his wife, Constance.
Major Achievements and Recognition
A BAFTA-Winning Journalist
Tom Cheshire’s journalism has been recognised with multiple honours, the most prestigious being a BAFTA award for Sky News’ coverage in China. His combination of intellectual rigour, narrative skill, and empathy distinguishes his work from conventional broadcast reporting.
Author of “The Explorer Gene”
In addition to his broadcasting career, Cheshire is also the author of The Explorer Gene, published by Simon & Schuster. The book explores the spirit of human curiosity and adventure, tracing the stories of families who have pursued discovery across generations. It reflects Cheshire’s fascination with exploration—both physical and intellectual—and his belief in humanity’s drive to seek knowledge.
Tom Cheshire’s Impact on Modern Journalism
Blending Technology, Data, and Humanity
Tom Cheshire belongs to a generation of journalists redefining how audiences consume information. His work illustrates the power of data journalism not as an abstraction but as a tool for truth and accountability. By merging storytelling with analytical rigour, he bridges the gap between technology and society.
In an age of misinformation, Cheshire’s role as Data & Forensics Correspondent is crucial. His reporting explains how digital platforms shape public opinion, how artificial intelligence influences privacy, and how global events can be decoded through open-source data.
Beyond his technical mastery, it is his storytelling—empathetic, clear, and deeply human—that keeps audiences engaged.
Professional Ethos and Legacy
Tom Cheshire’s approach to journalism is rooted in curiosity, accuracy, and integrity. Whether reporting from Beijing’s bustling streets or explaining cybersecurity threats from a London newsroom, his dedication to factual storytelling remains unwavering.
He exemplifies the journalist as both analyst and humanist—someone who believes that technology should serve understanding rather than confusion. His Cambridge education in Classics reminds us that storytelling, even in the digital age, remains the oldest and most enduring art form.
Conclusion: Tom Cheshire’s Continuing Journey
Tom Cheshire’s career is a testament to adaptability and excellence. From print magazines to global television networks, from technology features to frontline news, he has consistently delivered work that informs, challenges, and inspires.
As Sky News’ Data and Forensics Correspondent, Cheshire continues to investigate how data and technology shape our world. His partnership with Constance Barnwell, a creative force in her own right, symbolises a union of intellect and artistry. Together, they represent a modern British power couple—bridging journalism, creativity, and global culture.
At approximately 37 years old, with a Cambridge degree, a BAFTA, and a reputation for fearless reporting, Tom Cheshire stands as one of Britain’s most dynamic voices in modern media—a journalist whose work continues to shape how audiences see the truth behind the numbers and the stories within the data.
