Jo Kent – The Inspiring BBC South Today Presenter and Senior Reporter
Jo Kent is a highly respected British journalist, television presenter, and senior reporter with more than two decades of experience at the BBC. As one of the core faces of BBC South Today, she has become a trusted name in regional journalism, known for her professionalism, warmth, and ability to connect with audiences. Based in Southampton, England, Jo Kent’s broadcasting career is defined by versatility — from breaking news to creative storytelling — and her commitment to authentic journalism has made her a familiar figure to hundreds of thousands of viewers across southern England.
Early Life and Education
Jo Kent grew up in West Sussex, a region known for its rolling countryside and coastal charm. From a young age, she demonstrated a curiosity for people’s stories and a passion for communication, qualities that later shaped her career in journalism. After completing her early education, she pursued formal training in broadcast journalism in London, equipping herself with the professional skills necessary to enter the competitive media industry.
Her drive and determination soon paid off when she joined the BBC, marking the beginning of a long and rewarding career in public broadcasting.
Career Beginnings: Radio to Television
Jo Kent began her journey with the BBC as a radio presenter in Guernsey, where she quickly established a reputation for her engaging voice, confident delivery, and natural interviewing skills. During her time at BBC Radio Guernsey, she hosted the flagship breakfast show — a lively mix of interviews, news, sports, and community stories — earning a loyal following among listeners.
From Guernsey, she moved on to BBC East in Norwich, where she transitioned from radio to television presenting. It was here that she began to appear regularly on-screen, producing and presenting bulletins and live reports. Her ability to handle both live and pre-recorded broadcasts with calm professionalism made her an invaluable member of the team. During this period, Jo also contributed to major national outlets, including BBC Radio Five Live, BBC News, and BBC Sports News, giving her a platform that reached audiences across the UK.
BBC South Today: A Trusted Voice in Regional News
Since 2004, Jo Kent has been a cornerstone of the BBC South Today presentation team. The programme, which airs at 6:30 p.m., is one of the BBC’s most popular regional news broadcasts, attracting an audience of nearly half a million viewers each evening.
As a presenter and reporter, Jo Kent has covered a wide range of stories — from local human-interest pieces to national breaking news. Her work has taken her to the heart of major events, including political campaigns, community stories, and live coverage of the Salisbury Novichok incident, one of the most high-profile news stories in recent British history.
She has also been at the forefront of BBC South Today’s late news relaunch, which brought a fresh production style and greater depth to the analysis of the day’s key stories. Her calm demeanour and polished delivery under pressure make her one of the most dependable presenters in regional broadcasting.
Leadership and Editorial Excellence
Beyond her on-screen presence, Jo Kent has played an important leadership role within the BBC. Between 2017 and 2019, she served as Acting Assistant Editor for BBC South Today, overseeing editorial decisions, managing newsroom teams, and setting the programme’s agenda. Her work in this role demonstrated strong editorial judgement and an ability to lead creative teams to produce high-quality journalism.
Her success in leadership was further recognised when she completed the BBC Leadership Essentials Course, an intensive training programme designed for senior media professionals. These experiences have shaped her interest in digital transformation, strategic leadership, and change management within the media industry.
In 2023, Jo Kent undertook a part-time development opportunity as an Assistant Project Manager with the BBC Transformation Office, working on the BBC’s Digital First initiative. This role involved collaborating with senior leaders and analysing audience data to help shape the broadcaster’s future in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
A Storyteller at Heart
What sets Jo Kent apart is her passion for storytelling. Throughout her career, she has been recognised for her originality and creativity in delivering features that connect deeply with audiences. Her reporting for BBC Radio 5 Live Investigates has included exclusive stories that reached BBC’s national online front pages and were featured across the network’s radio outlets.
Whether covering political leaders on the election trail or sailing alongside Dame Ellen MacArthur in the Round the Island Yacht Race, Jo Kent brings curiosity, empathy, and insight to every assignment. Her interviews and features capture not only the facts but also the emotions and human experiences behind each story.
Life Beyond the Camera
Away from the newsroom, Jo Kent enjoys a full and vibrant personal life. She lives in the New Forest, one of England’s most picturesque regions, with her husband, four sons, a giant dog, and two cats. Her social media presence offers glimpses into her everyday life — balancing a busy career with motherhood and family.
Jo is known for her love of home renovation projects, travel, and entertaining friends, often describing herself as a realist who embraces both the triumphs and challenges of modern family life. Her Instagram posts reflect humour, honesty, and warmth, showcasing a down-to-earth personality that resonates with many working parents.
Awards, Recognition, and Impact
Throughout her long BBC career, Jo Kent has earned respect not only for her professionalism but also for her contribution to regional journalism. Under her leadership and editorial involvement, BBC South Today has been nominated for Royal Television Society (RTS) awards — a testament to the quality and impact of her team’s work.
Her colleagues regard her as a mentor and motivator, someone who inspires those around her to pursue excellence. She has also hosted public events, mentored junior journalists, and contributed to the BBC’s broader mission of public service and community engagement.
The Modern Face of British Regional Broadcasting
In an age where media is constantly evolving, Jo Kent stands as a symbol of adaptability and authenticity. Her blend of experience, empathy, and professionalism has helped her navigate the fast-changing world of journalism while staying true to the values of trust, integrity, and storytelling.
She represents a new generation of media professionals who understand that news is not just about headlines — it’s about connecting people, communities, and experiences. Through her work on BBC South Today, Jo Kent continues to inform, inspire, and engage audiences across southern England and beyond.
Conclusion
Jo Kent’s journey from a young radio journalist in Guernsey to a senior presenter and reporter for BBC South Today is a story of perseverance, passion, and professionalism. With over twenty years of service, she has become a familiar and respected presence in British broadcasting. Her dedication to journalism, combined with her leadership experience and approachable personality, has made her a standout figure in regional news.
Balancing career, family, and community life, Jo Kent exemplifies what it means to be both a committed journalist and a relatable role model. Whether on screen or behind the scenes, she continues to shape the future of BBC journalism with the same enthusiasm and integrity that first brought her to the newsroom over two decades ago.
