The Inspiring Career Journey of Melanie Chiswell – From BBC Spotlight to Pennon Group
Melanie Chiswell is a distinguished British journalist, media consultant, and PR specialist with over 25 years of professional experience in broadcast journalism and corporate communications. Known for her articulate presentation style and warm personality, she has established herself as a respected figure in the UK’s media industry. From her early beginnings at the BBC to her current role as Lead Journalist at Pennon Group Plc, Melanie Chiswell’s career reflects adaptability, creativity, and commitment to storytelling excellence. Based in Topsham, England, she continues to balance her passion for journalism with consultancy and training roles across global media and defence organisations.
Early Life and Education
Academic Foundations at Bournemouth University
Melanie Chiswell began her academic journey at Bournemouth University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies. This academic foundation equipped her with a deep understanding of media dynamics, audience behaviour, and the evolving communication landscape. Her time at Bournemouth cultivated her natural curiosity and skill in connecting with people—traits that would later define her career as a journalist and presenter.
A Flourishing Media Career
BBC: The Launchpad of Her Journalism Journey
Melanie Chiswell began her career at BBC News, where she worked from 1995 to 1997 as a broadcast journalist. During this time, she produced and presented regional radio and television bulletins for BBC Points West and BBC Radio Bristol. Her early years at the BBC laid the foundation for her authentic approach to storytelling—one focused on human emotion, accuracy, and audience engagement.
ITV Westcountry: A Dynamic On-Screen Presence
From 1997 to 1999, Melanie worked as a Presenter for ITV Westcountry, scripting and delivering news bulletins for both morning and weekend editions. Her confident yet relatable delivery style quickly made her a household name in the South West region. This period strengthened her ability to handle both serious and light-hearted stories with equal poise.
Sky News and GMTV: National Recognition
Between 1999 and 2003, Melanie Chiswell made her mark on national television as a Correspondent for Sky News and GMTV. These years saw her travel extensively—from New York to Tokyo—covering live news events, breaking stories, and international reports. She interviewed politicians, celebrities, and everyday heroes, often praised for her ability to bring warmth and insight to her coverage. Her time at these national networks solidified her reputation as a versatile, personality-led journalist who could command the screen with authenticity and grace.
BBC Spotlight: The Return to Regional Excellence
After years on the national stage, Melanie returned to regional journalism with BBC Spotlight, where she served as Presenter, Reporter, and Producer from April 2022 to March 2025. Based in Exeter, she became a familiar face to South West audiences once again. Her role involved leading the entire content lifecycle—from conceptualising stories to presenting live broadcasts across both hard and soft news segments. Known for her engaging interviews, Melanie developed a reputation for drawing out genuine responses, even from the most reserved interviewees. Her BBC Spotlight career demonstrated her ongoing passion for connecting communities through impactful storytelling.
Diversifying Skills: Communications and PR Expertise
Transition to Corporate Affairs and Consultancy
Beyond broadcasting, Melanie Chiswell has built a strong portfolio in public relations and corporate communications. Her time at Tesco (2007–2013) as a Corporate Affairs Manager saw her lead multi-year reputation management campaigns, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and media strategies across the South West region. She also served as Head of Communications at the Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust, where she managed communication strategies during organisational transitions.
Rockpool Public Relations: Entrepreneurial Success
In 2013, Melanie founded her own PR firm, Rockpool Public Relations Limited, based in Exeter. As Director, she specialised in media relations, brand positioning, and crisis communication for major clients including Tesco, Costa Coffee, and The Co-operative Group. Her ability to blend journalism with strategic PR insight made Rockpool a trusted name in regional corporate communications. The agency became known for helping clients build authentic reputations rooted in trust and transparency.
Crown Media and Defence Training
From 2020 to 2025, Melanie worked with Crown Media, delivering media training and consultancy to international organisations such as NATO and the UK Ministry of Defence. In these roles, she travelled globally, conducting workshops and providing real-time media simulations during military exercises. Her expertise in crisis communication and on-camera performance made her a valuable asset in preparing spokespersons and officers for high-pressure public engagements.
A Unique Career Detour: Law Enforcement Experience
In an unexpected yet enriching career shift, Melanie joined Devon & Cornwall Police as a Police Officer and Trainee Detective between January 2021 and March 2022. This move came during the COVID-19 pandemic, following a downturn in freelance media opportunities. While she enjoyed the experience and learned the intricacies of law enforcement, she later acknowledged missing the storytelling and creativity of the media world. This experience, however, broadened her understanding of human resilience and empathy—qualities that continue to inform her journalism.
Current Role at Pennon Group Plc
Leading Communication in the Utility Sector
As of March 2025, Melanie Chiswell serves as Lead Journalist at Pennon Group Plc, one of the UK’s leading environmental and utility companies. In this position, she leads content creation and storytelling initiatives, helping to shape the company’s narrative across internal and external platforms. Her deep understanding of media relations and audience engagement allows her to translate complex corporate messages into relatable stories for the public. This role combines her two strengths—journalistic storytelling and strategic communication—and reflects her evolution from broadcaster to communications leader.
Professional Skills and Expertise
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Broadcast Journalism: Over 25 years of live reporting, interviewing, and content production for major networks.
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Public Relations: Extensive experience managing brand reputation, stakeholder communication, and crisis response.
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Media Training: Delivered high-level workshops for defence organisations and multinational brands.
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Strategic Communication: Skilled at crafting corporate narratives that resonate with public audiences.
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Interviewing: Known for drawing out authentic, emotional, and insightful commentary from interviewees.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside of work, Melanie Chiswell leads a balanced and down-to-earth lifestyle. Based in Topsham, Devon, she enjoys coastal living, family life, and creative pursuits. Her Twitter (@MelanieCBrooks) and Instagram (@melaniechiswell) profiles reveal her love for the seaside, laughter, and community life. She describes herself as a “mum, dog worshipper and sunset seeker”, which captures her grounded, compassionate personality.
Her posts frequently express admiration for local theatre, humour, and family moments—showing that behind her professional polish is a relatable, kind-hearted communicator who values authenticity above all.
Conclusion: A Life of Purpose, Passion, and People
Melanie Chiswell’s professional journey is an inspiring blend of versatility, adaptability, and compassion. From her early days at BBC News and ITV, to global reporting with Sky News and GMTV, and her entrepreneurial success in PR, she has continuously evolved with the changing media landscape. Her transition into corporate communications and her current leadership role at Pennon Group Plc reflect her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her core purpose—telling stories that connect people.
Her warm on-screen presence, strong ethical values, and commitment to community make her a shining example of modern journalism that balances professionalism with humanity. For those looking to build a career in media or communications, Melanie Chiswell stands as a role model of integrity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Melanie Chiswell?
Melanie Chiswell is a seasoned British journalist, presenter, and PR consultant with over 25 years of experience in broadcast and corporate communications. She has worked with major media outlets including BBC Spotlight, Sky News, and GMTV, and currently serves as Lead Journalist at Pennon Group Plc.
2. How old is Melanie Chiswell?
According to public records, Melanie Chiswell was born on 15 April 1972, which makes her 53 years old as of 2025.
3. Who is Melanie Chiswell’s husband?
Melanie Chiswell keeps her personal life private. While she sometimes uses the name Melanie C Brooks on social media, there is no verified public information about her husband’s name or personal details. She describes herself as a “mum, dog worshipper and sunset seeker,” indicating a close family life.
4. Where does Melanie Chiswell live?
She is based in Topsham, Exeter, England, where she has worked in journalism, public relations, and community-based reporting. Her posts and professional networks frequently highlight her connection to Devon and the South West region.
5. What is Melanie Chiswell doing now?
As of 2025, Melanie Chiswell works as Lead Journalist at Pennon Group Plc. She focuses on creating engaging corporate content, leading media strategy, and continuing her passion for storytelling and public communication.
