Tanya Arnold – a trusted broadcaster

Tanya Arnold’s career is rooted in journalism and live broadcasting, built over many years with the BBC on both television and radio. She began her journey in news journalism, at a time when sport was rarely seen as a destination for women on screen. Despite that, she became the sports reporter for BBC regional television news in Yorkshire, breaking new ground and establishing herself in an environment where sport was often underestimated within the newsroom.

Working largely on her own in the role, Tanya developed a resilient, confident broadcasting style and a deep respect for preparation and storytelling. Those early years shaped her approach: informed, calm under pressure and always focused on the human story behind the headline.

From regional reporting to global events

Tanya’s work with the BBC opened the door to some of the world’s biggest sporting stages. She has reported on two Olympic Games, in London and Rio, and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, alongside countless other major sporting occasions. Each event added depth to her experience, from fast-paced live reporting to thoughtful, sensitive interviews with athletes and teams at pivotal moments in their careers.

A major focus of Tanya’s broadcasting life has been Rugby League. She has presented a wide range of live games for the BBC, a role she describes as giving her the greatest buzz. A career highlight was the Rugby League World Cup held in England in 2022, where the BBC broadcast every match across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments. Tanya was at the heart of that coverage, helping bring the sport to a wide and diverse audience.

A new chapter as a freelance host

At the end of the World Cup, Tanya made the decision to go freelance in early 2023. It marked a conscious shift to challenge herself, explore new arenas and apply her broadcasting skills beyond traditional sport coverage. Since then, she has worked with a broad range of organisations, hosting conferences, live events, panel discussions and podcasts.

Her freelance work now spans sport, business, technology, health and wellbeing, reflecting her belief that great interviewing is about curiosity and listening, whatever the subject. Tanya continues to present and report on Rugby League for the BBC, while also presenting sport on the BBC News Channel and BBC World, maintaining her strong connection to live broadcasting.

Book Tanya Arnold for your event

When you book Tanya Arnold for your event, you gain a presenter who understands audiences, timing and tone. She is known for making guests feel comfortable, asking the right questions and keeping discussions flowing with clarity and warmth. Her experience across live television, radio and on-stage hosting means she is equally confident managing high-profile speakers, sensitive topics or fast-moving panel debates.

Organisers value Tanya’s professionalism, preparation and adaptability. She takes the time to understand the brief, the audience and the purpose of the event, ensuring the content lands with impact while remaining authentic and engaging.

Advocacy, integrity and personal drive

Away from broadcasting, Tanya is a patron of the West Yorkshire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. In 2019, she conducted the interview in which Rugby League player Rob Burrow shared publicly that he had been diagnosed with MND just days earlier. It was one of the most challenging interviews of her career and, in hindsight, one of the most important. Since then, Tanya has continued to support efforts to give the MND community a voice, improve care and push for a cure.

Outside work, Tanya is a mum and wife who enjoys walking, training and staying active. Sport has always been a passion, making her career a natural extension of what she loves. That genuine enthusiasm, combined with decades of experience, makes Tanya Arnold a compelling presence on stage, on screen and behind the microphone.