In the ever-evolving landscape of British journalism, few names command as much respect as Anushka Asthana. As a prominent journalist and television host, she has carved out a remarkable career spanning over two decades, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in political broadcasting across the United Kingdom.
Anushka Asthana
British Journalist & Television Host
| Full Name | Anushka Asthana |
| Date of Birth | March 1980 |
| Age | 44 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | Indian (South Asian) |
| Education | • Manchester High School for Girls • St John’s College, Cambridge (Economics) |
| Profession | Journalist, Television Host, Broadcaster |
| Current Position | US Editor, Channel 4 News (Since August 2025) |
| Previous Positions | • Deputy Political Editor, ITV News (2021-2025) • Joint Political Editor, The Guardian (2015-2021) • Political Correspondent, Sky News (2013-2015) • Political Correspondent, The Times • General Reporter, The Observer (2003) |
| Notable Work | • Co-presenter of ITV’s “Peston.” • Creator and presenter of “Today in Focus” podcast • Presenter of BBC Radio 4’s “Week in Westminster.” |
| Awards & Recognition | • Journalist of the Year, Asian Media Awards (2024) • Best Current Affairs Podcast, British Podcast Awards (2020) • Laurence Stern Fellowship, The Washington Post (2006) |
| Parents | • Co-presenter of ITV’s “Peston” • Creator and presenter of “Today in Focus” podcast • Presenter of BBC Radio 4’s “Week in Westminster.” |
| Raised In | Stalybridge, Greater Manchester |
| Current Location | Both doctors who immigrated from New Delhi, India, to the UK in the 1970s |
| Professional Memberships | Board Member, Society of Editors |
| Specialization | Washington, DC, United States |
Early Life and Family Background
Anushka Asthana was born in March 1980 in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, into a family with deep roots in both India and the United Kingdom. Her parents, both accomplished doctors, had immigrated from New Delhi, India, to the UK during the 1970s, seeking new opportunities and bringing with them a strong emphasis on education and professional excellence.
The Anushka Asthana family eventually settled in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, where she spent her formative years. Growing up in this environment, she was exposed to diverse perspectives that would later inform her balanced approach to journalism. Her family’s immigrant background gave her a unique lens through which to view British society and politics.
Educational Foundation
Asthana’s academic journey began at Manchester High School for Girls, one of the region’s most prestigious educational institutions. Her intellectual curiosity and academic prowess eventually led her to St John’s College, Cambridge, where she pursued a degree in Economics. This solid educational foundation would prove invaluable in her future career, particularly when analyzing complex political and economic policies.
Building a Career in Journalism
The Early Years (2003-2013)
Asthana launched her professional journalism career in 2003 when she joined The Observer as a general reporter. This position provided her with the essential skills and experience needed to navigate the demanding world of news reporting. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2006, she received the prestigious Laurence Stern Fellowship, which took her across the Atlantic to work at The Washington Post. This international experience broadened her perspective and enhanced her reporting capabilities.
Following her fellowship, she returned to the UK and took on the role of political correspondent at The Times, where she honed her skills in covering Westminster politics. By 2013, she had joined Sky News as a political correspondent, further establishing herself in the competitive field of political journalism.
The Guardian Era: A Defining Chapter
In December 2015, Asthana achieved a significant milestone when she was appointed joint Political Editor at The Guardian, sharing the prestigious role with Heather Stewart. This appointment marked her as one of the leading political journalists in the country.
During her tenure at The Guardian, Asthana launched what would become one of her most successful projects. In 2018, she created and presented “Today in Focus,” a daily podcast that brought in-depth political analysis to audiences in an accessible format. The podcast’s quality and impact were recognized when it won Best Current Affairs Podcast at the 2020 British Podcast Awards.
Before departing The Guardian in 2021, she was promoted to editor-at-large, a testament to her contributions to the publication and her standing within the organization.
Television Prominence at ITV News
In 2021, Asthana joined ITN as ITV News Deputy Political Editor, working alongside Robert Peston. She became co-presenter of ITV’s flagship political program “Peston,” which had actually begun in September 2018. This role significantly raised her public profile, as she brought complex political stories to millions of viewers each week.
Her broadcasting work extended beyond the Peston program. She also became a presenter for BBC Radio 4’s “Week in Westminster” and made regular appearances on various political discussion programs. Her coverage of major news events was particularly noteworthy, including her co-hosting of overnight coverage during the US presidential elections in both 2020 and 2024.
Current Role and Responsibilities
In August 2025, Anushka Asthana embarked on a new chapter in her career when she joined Channel 4 News as US Editor. This prestigious appointment saw her relocate to Washington, DC, where she now covers US and global politics for British audiences. The role represents both a geographic shift and an expansion of her brief, allowing her to provide crucial insights into American politics during a particularly significant period.
Personal Life: Anushka Asthana Husband
While Asthana maintains a relatively private personal life, keeping details about her anushka asthana husband and family matters largely out of the public eye, she has occasionally shared insights into balancing her demanding career with family life. This discretion reflects a professional approach to maintaining boundaries between her public role and private relationships.
Recognition and Professional Standing
Throughout her career, Asthana has received numerous accolades for her work. In 2024, she was named Journalist of the Year at the Asian Media Awards, recognition that celebrated not only her professional achievements but also her role as a trailblazer for diversity in British journalism. Additionally, she joined the board of the Society of Editors, contributing to the broader conversation about journalistic standards and practices in the UK.
Career Compensation and Industry Position
While specific details regarding anushka asthana salary are not publicly disclosed, as is common in the journalism industry, her senior positions at major news organizations reflect her value to these institutions. As US Editor for Channel 4 News, she holds one of the most prestigious and demanding roles in British broadcast journalism.
Impact on British Journalism
Asthana’s contribution to British journalism extends beyond her individual reporting. She has become known for her balanced and accessible approach to political coverage, making complex policy discussions understandable to general audiences without sacrificing accuracy or depth. Her expertise covers major political events, including elections, Brexit negotiations, and policy developments that have shaped modern Britain.
As a journalist of South Asian heritage who has risen to the top of her profession, she has also served as an important role model, demonstrating that British journalism can and should reflect the diversity of the society it serves.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
From her beginnings at The Observer to her current position as Channel 4 News US Editor, Anushka Asthana has consistently demonstrated journalistic excellence. Her ability to bridge complex political stories with human perspectives has made her one of the most trusted voices in British political journalism.
Her career trajectory—spanning print, digital, podcast, and television broadcasting—reflects the evolution of modern journalism itself. As she continues her work from Washington, DC, covering stories that resonate on both sides of the Atlantic, Asthana remains a vital voice in helping British audiences understand the political forces shaping our world.
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