Razia Iqbal


Razia Iqbal is a journalist employed by BBC News. She is a special correspondent, reporting for outlets across the BBC. From 2011 Iqbal has also presented Newshour on the BBC World Service. She has also presented Talking Books on the BBC News Channel. She was previously the corporation's arts correspondent.

Early life

Iqbal was born into a Punjabi family in Uganda, in 1962.

Education

Iqbal was educated at Garrett Green Comprehensive School in Tooting, South London, followed by the University of East Anglia, from which she graduated with a BA in American Studies in 1985. During her time at UEA she spent a year abroad at Trinity College, Connecticut.

Life and career

Iqbal is a former arts correspondent for BBC News, regularly appearing in news bulletins to report on arts related stories.
She has also hosted the BBCs HARDtalk Extra programme, interviewing prominent figures from the arts including Sting and Jacqueline Wilson.
In 2009, Iqbal applied for the Arts Editor position with BBC News but the role went to Will Gompertz.
Iqbal has reported on mainstream news items for BBC News. One of the first of these was an investigation into a charity scam following the earthquake in Haiti in January 2010.
In mid-2010, Iqbal presented relief shifts on the BBC News Channel, as well as presenting Talking Books on the channel. From 2011 Iqbal has also been a regular presenter of Newshour on the BBC World Service.

Awards and nominations

In January 2013, Iqbal was nominated for the Services to Media award at the British Muslim Awards.

Personal life

Iqbal is separated from husband George Arney, a presenter of The World Today.