Amanda Ferguson: The Voice of Modern Irish Journalism from North Belfast

Who Is Amanda Ferguson?

Amanda Ferguson is one of the most recognisable and respected voices in contemporary Irish and Northern Irish journalism. Based in North Belfast, she has built a career spanning more than 15 years as a freelance journalist, writer, broadcaster, commentator, and event host, working across some of the world’s most influential media organisations.

Known for her direct style, political clarity, and cultural insight, Amanda Ferguson has become a trusted analyst on Northern Ireland, Irish politics, social change, and post-conflict society. Her work reaches audiences across the UK, Ireland, Europe, and internationally, making her a key figure in modern journalism.

Amanda Ferguson Background and Early Life

Amanda Ferguson was born on 11 June 1979 in North Belfast, a place that has profoundly shaped her worldview, reporting style, and professional focus. She openly identifies as a “North Belfast woman” and a “Bean Ultach”, grounding her journalism in lived experience rather than abstraction.

Growing up in a society shaped by political conflict and social division gave her a deep understanding of identity, inequality, and resilience—elements that consistently appear in her work.

Amanda Ferguson Age

Amanda Ferguson was born on 11 June 1979. In 2025, she is 46 years old and will turn 47 on 11 June 2026. She has publicly stated that she does not hide or distort her age, instead describing herself as confident, content, and comfortable with the life experience and professional maturity she has gained throughout her career.

Education and Professional Training

Academic Qualifications

Amanda combines academic grounding with practical newsroom training:

• BA in Marketing & Communication – Glasgow Caledonian University

• NVQ Level 4 in Newspaper Journalism – Belfast Metropolitan College

Her journalism qualification covered media law, shorthand, and news writing, providing a strong technical foundation that supports her credibility across print and broadcast journalism.

Amanda Ferguson Career Overview

Freelance Journalist Since 2010

Amanda has worked as a freelance journalist since April 2010, a career choice that has allowed her to operate independently while contributing to a wide range of outlets simultaneously.

Her freelance work includes:

• News reporting

• Political analysis

• Features and investigations

• Editorial leadership cover

• Media production and fixing

• Media training and consultancy

Major Media Organisations Amanda Ferguson Has Worked With

International and UK Print Media

Amanda Ferguson’s bylines have appeared in some of the most influential publications globally, including:

• Reuters

• The Washington Post

• The Irish Times

• The Irish News

• Belfast Telegraph

• The Guardian

• The Sunday Times

• The Times

• Wall Street Journal

• Irish Independent

• Daily Mirror

• Daily Mail (Ireland)

• Sunday Life

Her work spans breaking news, political reporting, cultural commentary, and long-form analysis.

Key Editorial Roles

Northern Ireland Correspondent – Reuters

Since 2015, Amanda has worked as Northern Ireland Correspondent for Reuters, delivering live updates, political reporting, and analysis for global audiences. Her reporting frequently informs international coverage of UK and Irish affairs.

Ireland Stringer – The Washington Post

From 2018 onwards, she has served as an Ireland Stringer, covering major political and social events including:

• Brexit and the Irish border

• Stormont and power-sharing

• Referendums and elections

• State visits and international diplomacy

• Cultural and societal change

Northern Correspondent and Acting Northern Editor – The Irish Times

Between 2014 and 2020, Amanda Ferguson regularly acted as Northern Editor, covering leave and leading political coverage for both digital and print editions.

Amanda Ferguson as a Broadcaster and Commentator

Television and Radio Presence

Since 2011, Amanda has been a regular broadcaster across Irish, British, and international media. She is known for calm, authoritative analysis delivered without sensationalism.

She has appeared on:

• BBC television and radio services

• RTÉ television and radio

• Sky News

• LBC and LBC News

• Al Jazeera (English and Arabic)

• PBS NewsHour

• Times Radio

• BBC World Service

Her commentary frequently addresses:

• Northern Ireland politics

• UK–Ireland relations

• Peace process developments

• Elections and governance

• Human rights and equality

Amanda Ferguson Twitter and Social Media Presence

Amanda Ferguson is active on Twitter (X) under the handle @AmandaFBelfast, where she has over 53,000 followers. Her account is widely cited by journalists, academics, and policymakers.

On Twitter, she shares:

• Political commentary

• Breaking news insights

• Media appearances

• Event updates

• Cultural observations

Her voice on social media reflects the same qualities as her journalism: direct, informed, and unapologetically honest.

Other Platforms

She also maintains an active presence on Facebook and Instagram, using the same identity and tone across platforms, reinforcing her professional brand and public trust.

Women in Media Belfast and Advocacy Work

Director, Women in Media Belfast CIC

Amanda Ferguson is a director of Women in Media Belfast, an organisation supporting women working across journalism, broadcasting, PR, and communications.

Her advocacy focuses on:

• Gender equality in media

• Professional development

• Representation and leadership

• Safer working environments

She is also a member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and supports initiatives promoting ethical journalism and media responsibility.

Events, Hosting, and Public Engagement

Event Host and Organiser

Beyond reporting, Amanda Ferguson is an experienced:

• Event host

• Panel moderator

• Conference speaker

• Cultural organiser

She regularly chairs discussions on politics, journalism, feminism, culture, and social change, combining authority with accessibility.

Professional Style and Reputation

A Trusted and Independent Voice

Amanda Ferguson is respected for:

• Editorial independence

• Accuracy and verification

• Clear political analysis

• Strong ethical standards

Her work avoids sensationalism while remaining engaging and relevant. She is equally effective in breaking news environments and reflective long-form commentary.

Why Amanda Ferguson Matters in Journalism Today

In an era of polarisation and misinformation, Amanda Ferguson represents credibility, balance, and lived expertise. Her journalism bridges local insight with global relevance, ensuring that Northern Irish perspectives are accurately understood beyond regional borders.

Her ability to operate across print, broadcast, digital media, and public events makes her one of the most versatile journalists working in Ireland today.

Quick Info

Conclusion

Amanda Ferguson is far more than a freelance journalist. She is a leading commentator, trusted correspondent, and influential media figure, rooted in North Belfast yet respected internationally. With a career spanning over a decade and a half, she continues to shape how Irish and Northern Irish stories are told, analysed, and understood.

Her age, experience, and independence are strengths—not footnotes—and her voice remains essential in contemporary journalism across the UK and Ireland.

FAQs

Who is Amanda Ferguson?

Amanda Ferguson is a Belfast-based freelance journalist, writer, broadcaster, and event host. Active since 2010, she is widely known for her reporting and commentary on Northern Ireland and Irish politics, society, and culture, working with major UK and international media outlets.

How old is Amanda Ferguson?

Amanda Ferguson was born on 11 June 1979. She is 46 years old in 2025 and will turn 47 on 11 June 2026. She has openly stated that she does not hide or alter her age and views it as a reflection of experience and confidence.

What is Amanda Ferguson known for?

She is best known for her work as a Northern Ireland correspondent and political commentator, her international reporting for leading publications, and her role as a director of Women in Media Belfast, supporting women working across media and communications.

What is Amanda Ferguson’s Twitter handle?

Amanda Ferguson is active on Twitter (X) under the handle @AmandaFBelfast, where she shares political analysis, journalism insights, media appearances, and commentary with a large and engaged following.

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