
Brenda Emmanus
A self-confessed ‘People Person’ Brenda relishes any opportunity to connect with creative and inspiring individuals, for recorded broadcasts, live events or just socially.
Brenda has had a long and consistent career on national television. She is equally at home interviewing world-renowned celebrities as she is with the general public.
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What Brenda Emmanus's clients say
"Brenda is a true champion of the arts – whether seeking out the stories that matter most to communities or asking the questions we all want to know the answers to"
"Brenda's comments on culture and insights on the artists that create it have informed audiences and artists alike. The key to her longevity is her warmth and intelligence. The key to her on-screen success is her sincerity."
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Brenda Emmanus's 2025 biography
About Brenda Emmanus
Brenda has had a consistent and varied career as a Broadcaster and Journalist working across print, radio and television. Starting out in print journalism she went on to build her experience and reputation across a broad range of genre – from arts and entertainment broadcasting at Channel 4 to news and magazine programmes at the BBC including ‘Holiday’ and the flagship fashion and style programme – ‘The Clothes Show’, Brenda also presented Sky’s consumer output – ‘Money Matters’ and ‘Healthy Holidays.’
Her increased profile led to numerous opportunities including presenting live events and extending her range of broadcasting experience across more television networks. She became a regular face on ‘This Morning’ and her radio appearances included BBC Radio 2’s ‘The Early Show’ and entertainment slots on Choice FM.
Brenda has since established herself as a highly respected Arts, Culture and Entertainment Correspondent, working predominately for the BBC. She has reported on the nation’s arts and cultural scene for BBC London and Network news.
Brenda has presented a broad range of arts and culture documentaries including: ‘Designing a Princess’ – exploring Princess Diana and her influence on fashion; co-presenting ‘Tate: Switched On’ with Andrew Marr following the transformation of Tate Modern; and ‘Who Ever Heard of a Black Artist?’ – an exploration of the history of black British artists and their role in British art history. She also presented a documentary on the renowned black artist Sir Frank Bowling and spent a year observing artist Steve McQueen develop his Year 3 project for Tate Britain.
Brenda’s calling card is her versatility. Having spent a significant part of her career covering entertainment and culture she is equally at home with A-list celebrities and high-profile individuals as she is with the general public. Brenda has therefore been called upon to present both formal awards ceremonies and charity events as well as facilitate panel discussions, workshops and retreats.
She has worked for a range of corporate organisations including the Royal Bank of Scotland, Ernst and Young, The BBC and PWC, and hosted an eclectic mix of shows and events from the Powerlist Excellence Awards; The Screen Nation Film and Television Awards and several events for the Mayor of London’s office. Brenda is also on the Editorial Board for the Royal Academy of Arts Magazine.
As well as the arts Brenda has a passion for supporting women. She has co-facilitated The One Retreat – a bi-annual weekend support event for women in business, presented an evening for women with PR guru Lynne Franks and was invited to facilitate workshops and mentor young women at the United Nations, Commission for the Status of women event in New York. Brenda is also a long term supporter of the Women of the World Festival.
As a renowned champion of the Arts Brenda is constantly called upon as a presenter and facilitator by cultural organisations including – The National Theatre, Sadlers Wells Theatre, The Art Fund, Frieze Art Fair and the Southbank Centre.
She is Chair of the Board of Trustees for Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Founding member and Vice Chair of the Creative Industries Alliance and Patron of the National Black Women’s Network.
Brenda is also a keen supporter of several charities including the Jack Petchey Foundation, the Adoption Services, Mind, The Stroke Association, the ACLT and the Stephen Lawrence Trust.
Brenda has a keen personal interest in the self-development and popular psychology space. Throughout her career she has constantly mentored young people aspiring to a career in the media or business and is a committed Diversity and Inclusion champion.
Her hobbies include travel, food, arts and culture and personal development
Awards and Commendations:
- Order of the British Empire – for services to Broadcasting and Diversity (2019)
- Honorary Doctorate – University of the Arts (2020)
- Visiting Professor – University of the Arts (2016)
- Legacy Award – 2018
- Baton Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Media – 2018
- Community Honours Award at the House of Lords 2017
- Media Award – The Voice Newspaper
- Most Influential Woman in Arts Broadcasting 2017 – Acquisition International Women of the Year Nominee
- Judge – BAFTA’s, Royal Television Society Awards and Sky Southbank Arts
- Cosmopolitan magazine Media Achievement Award
- European Federation of Black Women Business Owners Achievement Award Candace Magazine Role Model Award
- Saint Lucia Tourist Board Inspiration Award
- Finalist, Media Category – EMMA Awards