Alistair Bunkall – Speaker Profile

Alistair Bunkall is a multi-award winning journalist and Sky News Middle East Correspondent, widely recognised for his frontline reporting and deep understanding of global security and conflict. Currently based in Jerusalem, he is at the centre of Sky News’ coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and its wider regional consequences, bringing clarity to complex and rapidly evolving events.

Over the course of his career, Alistair has reported from more than thirty countries across five continents. His work has taken him to some of the most hostile and challenging environments in the world, including Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, Gaza, Iraq and Ukraine. His reporting on Ukraine formed part of Sky’s Emmy-winning coverage in 2023, reflecting both the scale and impact of his work.

Frontline reporting and global conflicts

Alistair’s experience in conflict zones gives him a perspective few speakers can match. He has embedded himself in stories that define global security, from the rise and fall of Islamic State to the ongoing instability across the Middle East. His reporting includes time spent with human traffickers in northern Iraq, coverage of smuggling operations along the Lebanese-Syrian border, and rare access to Islamic State prison camps, where he conducted a high-profile interview with Shamima Begum.

His work is not limited to war zones. He has also reported on the human impact of climate change in Africa and spent months in New York during the Covid-19 pandemic, documenting the reality of a city at the epicentre of a global crisis.

Exclusive access and rare interviews

Before his current role, Alistair served as Sky News’ Defence and Security Correspondent, where he gained unprecedented access to some of the UK’s most secretive institutions. This includes GCHQ, the Trident nuclear deterrent, highly secure air command bunkers and covert drone bases. These experiences give him a unique ability to explain complex defence and intelligence topics in a way that resonates with audiences.

He is also one of the few journalists to have reported from North Korea, where he secured the first ever interview with a North Korean official—an example of his persistence and ability to gain access where others cannot.

Throughout his career, Alistair has interviewed world leaders, including British Prime Ministers, presidents, military commanders and intelligence chiefs. His 2023 interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was widely noted for its direct and uncompromising approach, described by Haaretz as both “piercing” and potentially the last of its kind.

Elections, global events and major moments

Alistair has played a central role in Sky News’ coverage of major global events, including the 2020 US Presidential Election, national votes in Turkey, Pakistan and the UK, and the Eurozone crisis. His reporting extends to humanitarian disasters around the world and historic moments such as the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh, where he reported from inside Windsor Castle.

His ability to move seamlessly between political, humanitarian and security stories makes him a highly versatile and engaging speaker.

Podcast and thought leadership

In addition to his on-screen work, Alistair hosts the podcast series Off the Record with Alistair Bunkall, featuring in-depth conversations with influential global figures. Guests have included the NATO Secretary General and the Archbishop of Westminster. His interview with Sir Alex Younger marked the first ever interview with a serving Chief of MI6, generating national headlines and further cementing his reputation for securing high-level access.

Book Alistair Bunkall for your event

Alistair Bunkall brings audiences behind the headlines, offering insight shaped by years of reporting from the frontlines of global events. With extensive live broadcasting experience and the ability to deploy at short notice to the world’s biggest stories, he delivers sharp analysis, compelling storytelling and a grounded understanding of international affairs.

His talks explore themes such as global conflict, Middle East politics, security and intelligence, leadership under pressure and the realities of reporting from hostile environments. Whether addressing corporate audiences, conferences or leadership teams, Alistair provides a perspective that is both informed and immediate, rooted in real-world experience where decisions carry global consequences.