Nina dos Santos: Award-Winning British Broadcaster and Former CNN Anchor
Who is Nina dos Santos?
Nina dos Santos is a British award-winning broadcaster, journalist, and radio commentator, recognised for her sharp analysis, multilingual reporting, and fearless investigative journalism. Over the past two decades, she has become one of the most respected voices in European and global news, having worked with some of the world’s leading media outlets — including CNN International, The Times, The Independent, Times Radio, Monocle Radio, Sky News, NBC News, Bloomberg, and Fox Business Network.
Known for her confident on-screen presence and intellectual depth, Nina dos Santos combines the precision of a scientist with the intuition of a storyteller. Her career journey from the science laboratories of Imperial College London to the international newsrooms of London, Washington, and Dubai is a testament to her determination and global outlook.
Early Life and Education of Nina dos Santos
British Roots and Multicultural Education
Born and raised in London, Nina dos Santos grew up in a multicultural environment that shaped her global worldview. She attended the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres, where she completed her French Baccalauréat, giving her a solid grounding in both English and French cultures.
Her academic journey continued at Imperial College London, one of the world’s top universities, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (Microbiology) in 2001. Driven by an early interest in the intersection of science, health, and policy, she went on to complete a Master’s degree in Economics and Management of Healthcare Systems from Università Bocconi in Milan, Italy, a prestigious institution renowned for its economics and management programmes.
Nina’s education made her fluent in critical analysis, research, and global issues — all of which became defining features of her journalism. She speaks six languages — English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German — which enables her to report with rare linguistic fluency across continents.
Early Career: From Print to Broadcast
From Dow Jones to Bloomberg Television
Nina dos Santos began her professional career as a reporter at Dow Jones in 2001, where she honed her skills in financial writing and data-driven reporting. She also interned at the Financial Times, which gave her exposure to the world of international finance and business journalism.
In 2003, she joined Bloomberg Television as a TV anchor, marking her first major step into broadcast journalism. During her time at Bloomberg, Nina covered business and economic stories across Europe, interviewing policymakers, CEOs, and analysts during critical global moments. Her deep understanding of economics, combined with her articulate presentation style, quickly made her one of Bloomberg’s most recognisable faces.
Rising Prominence: Sky News and NBC News
After five successful years at Bloomberg, Nina moved to Sky News in 2009, where she worked as a Business Presenter. Her expertise in economic and political coverage made her a natural fit for live news broadcasting. That same year, she also served as the London Markets Reporter for Fox Business Network, bringing British and European market updates to an American audience.
In 2010, Nina became a freelance correspondent for NBC News, appearing on high-profile programmes such as Weekend TODAY, Weekend Nightly News with Lester Holt, and Countdown with Keith Olbermann. Her role involved covering European politics, finance, and global current affairs for an international audience.
Breakthrough at CNN International
Anchor, Europe Editor, and Correspondent
In 2011, Nina dos Santos joined CNN International, a move that elevated her career to the global stage. Over the next 12 years, she anchored her own daily business and current affairs show, broadcast from CNN’s London bureau. As Europe Editor and Correspondent, she became a trusted voice during some of the world’s most significant news events.
Nina covered major stories including Brexit, European elections, and global economic summits, as well as the Russian poisonings, Chinese espionage cases, and international terrorism investigations. Her work blended in-depth analysis with on-the-ground reporting, making her one of CNN’s most authoritative European correspondents.
Investigative Journalism and Global Recognition
Alfred duPont and Other Awards
Nina dos Santos’s dedication to uncovering truth and presenting balanced journalism has earned her multiple honours. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Alfred duPont–Columbia University Award, one of the highest distinctions in broadcast journalism, often compared to the Pulitzer Prize for television.
Her investigative pieces into topics such as money-laundering, intelligence networks, and political corruption have been widely acclaimed. In addition, she has been shortlisted for both GLAAD and Emmy Awards, underscoring her influence and credibility in the international media industry.
Recent Work: The Times, The Independent, and Radio
Expanding Her Media Footprint
After leaving CNN in early 2023, Nina dos Santos continued her media journey as a freelance journalist and commentator. She now contributes regularly to The Times and The Independent, providing commentary on politics, economics, and international affairs.
She also appears on Times Radio, where she engages in insightful discussions on current events, and is a contributing presenter at Monocle Radio, known for its global, cosmopolitan coverage. Her work in radio demonstrates her adaptability — seamlessly moving between television, print, and digital formats.
Podcast and Media Commentary
Host of “Ctrl Alt Deceit: Democracy in Danger”
In addition to traditional journalism, Nina hosts the podcast “Ctrl Alt Deceit: Democracy in Danger”, where she explores pressing issues surrounding disinformation, media freedom, and the future of democracy. This project highlights her commitment to examining how technology, politics, and media narratives influence public perception and governance.
Through this podcast, Nina dos Santos continues her mission to promote transparency and accountability in journalism — using her platform to analyse how truth and trust are being reshaped in the digital age.
Professional Training and Skills
Nina holds several professional certifications, including Media Law from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and Hostile Environment Training from First Option Security. These qualifications reflect her commitment to ethical, informed, and safe reporting in complex global situations.
Her skills include:
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Broadcast television and media production
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Investigative journalism and breaking news
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Radio and podcast hosting
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Documentary and online journalism
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Video editing and post-production
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Multilingual communication and global reporting
Personal Life and Interests
Nina dos Santos is based in London, balancing her professional life with family commitments. She has occasionally referenced her Portuguese husband and her family life in Kensington, reflecting a grounded personal side to her high-profile career. Her social media posts show glimpses of her love for travel, culture, and her dog, Gaia.
Outside journalism, Nina enjoys engaging in discussions about European politics, women in media, and the evolving role of technology in news. She is known for supporting initiatives that promote diversity and integrity in journalism.
Nina dos Santos: A Role Model for Modern Journalism
Nina dos Santos represents the new generation of journalists who combine traditional credibility with modern adaptability. Her ability to navigate between television, print, radio, and digital platforms — while maintaining journalistic ethics and clarity — makes her one of the most respected media figures in Britain and beyond.
From Imperial College London to CNN International, and now as a freelance voice for The Times and global radio, Nina’s journey demonstrates resilience, curiosity, and the pursuit of truth. Her story is not just about breaking news — it is about breaking barriers in how stories are told, verified, and shared in an increasingly complex world.
Conclusion
In a world of fast-changing news cycles and digital disinformation, Nina dos Santos stands out as a beacon of integrity, intellect, and insight. Her award-winning investigations, global experience, and passion for factual storytelling continue to shape how audiences understand the events that define our time.
With over 20 years in journalism, two Alfred duPont Awards, and a career spanning Bloomberg, Sky News, NBC, CNN, and The Times, Nina dos Santos exemplifies excellence — proving that the truth still has a voice, and it speaks fluently in six languages.
FAQs
1. What is Nina dos Santos’s age?
Her exact age has not been publicly disclosed. However, based on her education and career timeline, she is estimated to be in her mid-40s.
2. Who is Nina dos Santos’s husband?
She is married to a Portuguese man who grew up in Abu Dhabi. Nina dos Santos occasionally mentions him in interviews and social-media posts, but she keeps his identity private.
3. Why is she also known as Nina de Roy-dos Santos?
“De Roy-dos Santos” is her full surname. In her professional career she often shortens it to “Nina dos Santos” for simplicity in broadcasting.
4. What is her educational background?
She studied Biology at Imperial College London and later completed a Master’s degree in Economics and Management of Healthcare Systems at Bocconi University in Milan.
5. What awards has she won?
Nina dos Santos is a two-time recipient of the Alfred du Pont–Columbia University Award for her investigative reporting and has also been shortlisted for both GLAAD and Emmy Awards.
