Emily Hudson — Senior Broadcast Journalist at BBC News
Few regional reporters in the United Kingdom have built such a steady, trusted presence across television and radio as Emily Hudson. A seasoned BBC journalist with nearly three decades of experience, Hudson has become a familiar name for audiences across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and Dorset, known for her clear, balanced political reporting and her grounded understanding of the communities she covers.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Chelmsford, Essex, Emily Hudson developed an early curiosity for public affairs and storytelling. Her academic path began at Southend High School for Girls, followed by two years at Southend High School for Boys for advanced studies.
Her university years laid the foundation for her journalistic instincts. At the University of Sheffield, she earned a BA in Economics and Sociology (1994–1997) with a 2:1 grade, serving as Deputy Editor of DARTS, the student newspaper, and DJ on SURE, the campus radio station. This early mix of editorial work and broadcasting hinted at the media career that would follow.
Pursuing a professional edge, Hudson completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism at Highbury College Portsmouth (1997–1998), graduating with Distinction—a mark of her academic diligence and early technical ability in production and reporting.
The First Steps: From Local Newsrooms to the BBC
Hudson’s career began in 1998 at SGR Colchester, where she worked as a reporter and news reader covering the bulletins across North Essex. Her clear diction and knack for concise storytelling quickly drew notice.
By 1999, she joined FM 107.6 The NRG in Bournemouth as News Editor, helping to set up the station for its official launch. Beyond producing daily bulletins, she oversaw the newsroom staff and co-presented the breakfast programme—an early indication of her leadership in both content and delivery.
A Long BBC Career: 24 Years of Regional Excellence
Emily Hudson’s association with the BBC began in 2001 and now spans more than two decades. Her journey through the corporation reflects growth from regional broadcasting to high-profile political journalism.
BBC Radio Solent and South Today
At BBC Radio Solent, she produced and presented breakfast and drivetime shows, including work with BBC South Today, the BBC’s regional TV news programme. Between 2001 and 2011 she worked as Producer (Breakfast and Drivetime), Bournemouth and Poole Reporter, and Weekend Producer for South Today.
Her ability to move seamlessly between radio and television made her one of the most versatile members of the BBC South team. She was known for handling stories ranging from local transport developments to complex council policy and community initiatives.
Newsreader and Breakfast Show Team (2013 – 2018)
From 2013 to 2018, Hudson served as the early-morning newsreader on the Julian Clegg Breakfast Show. Broadcast from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., the slot required high editorial discipline and the ability to distil overnight news into crisp headlines that set the day’s agenda. She became a trusted morning voice for listeners across the South Coast, combining professional warmth with a meticulous approach to accuracy.
Political Reporter (2018 – Present)
Since September 2018, Emily Hudson has held the position of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Political Reporter for BBC News and Politics South. Operating from Southampton in a hybrid role, she covers elections, council issues, regional economic initiatives, and policy developments that affect local residents.
Her recent reporting has included the proposed Hampshire and Solent mayoral election, housing policy, climate-change commitments, and grass-roots campaigns around public services. Hudson’s work is regularly featured across BBC radio, television, and digital platforms, making her one of the most recognisable regional voices in southern England.
Teaching and Mentorship
Parallel to her journalistic career, Hudson briefly entered academia as a Part-time Lecturer at Bournemouth University (2012 – 2013). She taught first-year students the fundamentals of journalism, ran newsdays, and assessed broadcast packages and scripts. Her experience from the field brought real-world credibility to the classroom, helping shape a new generation of reporters and producers.
Professional Skills and Strengths
Emily Hudson is known for a broad spectrum of skills that define modern broadcast journalism:
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Radio Producing and Broadcasting: Over two decades in BBC radio production and live presentation.
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Television Reporting: Experience with BBC South Today and Politics South, covering field and studio segments.
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Editorial Control: Trusted for morning news preparation and live broadcast decision-making.
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Political Analysis: Regional government and devolution expertise for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Dorset.
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Social Media Engagement: Active use of platforms for story finding, community interaction, and content promotion.
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Mentorship: Guidance and training for emerging broadcasters and university students.
Personal Life
Emily Hudson currently lives in Bournemouth and is married, as she notes in her public profiles. She is the mother of two teenagers and often shares light-hearted glimpses of family life and her beloved dog on social media. Her personal bio describes her as a lover of running (slow) and dance music, revealing a down-to-earth personality behind the microphone.
Though her exact age is not publicly disclosed, based on her university timeline she is estimated to be in her late forties to early fifties. Her roots in Chelmsford and career anchored in the South Coast reflect a strong connection to both Essex and Hampshire.
Public Presence and Recognition
Hudson maintains an active presence on social media, notably on X ( @EmilyKHudson ), where she interacts with colleagues and listeners, shares breaking stories, and offers insight into regional political debates. Her engagement is genuine and community-oriented—often focused on Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Dorset connections, as her intro playfully states: “ONLY friends with Hants/IOW/Dorset connections.”
Colleagues and audiences alike describe her as a committed, ethical journalist who combines professional rigour with approachability. While she has not publicly highlighted awards, her longevity and consistent regional impact testify to her credibility and skill.
Legacy and Influence
Over twenty-six years in broadcast media have seen Emily Hudson move through the evolving landscape of British journalism—from analogue radio and linear television to digital and social reporting. Her career shows how regional journalists can hold national significance through the local stories that shape public life.
She remains a key figure for BBC audiences in southern England, a symbol of trust and continuity in local news. Balancing work, family, and community engagement, Hudson embodies the resilience and adaptability that sustain public service journalism today.
FAQs
1. Who is Emily Hudson?
Emily Hudson is a Senior Broadcast Journalist and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Political Reporter for BBC News and BBC Radio Solent. She has over 26 years of experience in UK broadcast journalism, covering television, radio, and political reporting.
2. Where is Emily Hudson from?
Emily Hudson is from Chelmsford, Essex, but she now lives in Bournemouth, where she works across the Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Dorset regions for the BBC.
3. What is Emily Hudson’s educational background?
She studied Economics and Sociology at the University of Sheffield, graduating with a 2:1, and later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism at Highbury College Portsmouth, earning a Distinction.
4. How long has Emily Hudson worked with the BBC?
Emily Hudson has been with the BBC for over 24 years, beginning in 2001. She has worked in various roles including producer, newsreader, lecturer, and now as a senior political reporter.
5. Is Emily Hudson married?
Yes, Emily Hudson is married and the mother of two teenagers. She occasionally shares light-hearted posts about her family and dog on her social media accounts, showing a warm and relatable personality beyond her professional role.
