Fatima Manji

Fatima Manji, born on November 28, 1985, is a prominent British television journalist and newsreader for Channel 4 News. She made history in March 2016 as Britain's first hijab-wearing TV newsreader. Manji's journey into journalism began with her early life in Peterborough, where she attended Jack Hunt School and later studied Politics at the London School of Economics. Her passion for journalism stemmed from a desire to be where history is made, despite the unexpected realities of reporting on events like floods.

Starting her career as a trainee at the BBC, Manji reported for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire before becoming a reporter and presenter for BBC Look East. She delved into investigative journalism, focusing on issues like hate crimes against migrants and housing pressures. Transitioning to Channel 4 News in 2012, she became a newsreader in 2016, receiving praise for breaking barriers as a hijab-wearing journalist in a field with limited Muslim representation. Throughout her career, Manji has been recognized for her journalistic excellence. She was a finalist for the Royal Television Society's Young Journalist of the Year award in 2015 and received the "Media Personality of the Year" award at the Asian Media Awards in 2016.

Despite facing criticism, notably from Kelvin MacKenzie questioning her hijab-wearing while reporting news post the 2016 Nice truck attack, Manji has stood firm in defending her choice and highlighting media biases. As a Special Correspondent and Presenter at Channel 4 News, Fatima Manji covers diverse national and international stories. Her work includes reporting on the migration crisis in Europe, interviewing ISIS victims in Iraq, and challenging UK politicians during referendum campaigns. She has also hosted significant events like Britain's first Alternative Election Debate featuring young party leaders. Manji's impactful journalism has earned her multiple awards and solidified her position as a respected figure in British media since joining Channel 4 News in 2012.