Broadcaster, playwright, author and columnist

Joan Bakewell was born in Stockport, and educated at Stockport High School and Newnham College Cambridge where she gained an Honours degree in History and Economics. Her career as a broadcaster spans over four decades with her initial appearance being on the BBC’s Table Talk show in 1962. Jane is a talented corporate speaker, event host and after dinner speaker.

Joan began her career in broadcasting as a Studio Manager with BBC radio in the 1950’s. In 1962 she made her first appearance on BBC television as a guest on BBC’s Table Talk. Since then her broadcasting career has been wide and various, but includes the following: From 1965 to 1972 she was one of the regular presenters of Late Night Line Up on BBC 2. In the 1970’s she contributed to BBC Holiday and Film programmes. She was also presenter, with Bob Greaves, of Granada’s Reports Action. In the 1980’s she was BBC Televisions Arts Correspondent, and throughout the 1990’s she presented Heart of the Matter (for which she won the BAFTA Richard Dimbleby Award). She has since written and presented two series for BBC 2: My Generation, and Taboo.

Joan has written 4 radio plays, and published six books: “A Fine and Private Place” (co-authored with John Drummond) The New Priesthood (co-authored with Nicholas Garnham), The Complete Traveler, The Heart of Heart of the Matter; The Centre of the Bed (an autobiography) and Belief. Her latest play Brought to Book will be broadcast on Radio 4 in the autumn 2005.

She currently presents Belief for BBC Radio 3, and Behind the Book for Radio 4. She has served on the board of The Aldeburgh Festival, The Friends of the Tate, and The National Theatre and been Chair of the British Film Institute.

Joan is currently Chair of the National Campaign for the Arts. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Art and of Royal Holloway College, London University. She was made a CBE in 1999.

Joan is highly entertaining and a fascinating speaker.