Laura Kuenssberg Makes Bold Stand — Says She’d ‘Die in a Ditch’ for the BBC!
Laura Kuenssberg once said she’d “die in a ditch” for the impartiality of the BBC — and it’s clear just how deeply rooted her commitment to the broadcaster really is. The 48-year-old journalist, now a familiar face on British screens every Sunday morning, has been part of the Beeb’s DNA since joining as a trainee back in 2000.
Starting out in regional news with BBC North East and Cumbria, Kuenssberg worked her way up quickly. She went on to co-host The Daily Politics on BBC Two and was named chief political correspondent for BBC News in 2009. After a brief stint away at ITV as business editor, she returned to the BBC in 2013, landing a role on Newsnight before being appointed political editor in 2015 — the first woman ever to take on the role reported the Express.
Speaking to Press Gazette in 2016, she opened up about her dedication to the BBC and why she feels its role in British life is so vital. “Among the many jewels and gifts that the BBC has is our editorial independence which we get because people participate in us,” she said. “Everybody has to be part of the BBC because everybody has to pay for it. That is our precious jewel and I guard nothing more important than our impartiality.”
And she didn’t mince her words when it came to how seriously she takes that duty. “I would die in a ditch for the impartiality of the BBC. That’s what we do,” she said. “If you go to any country around the world, they would say that we were lucky to have it — and of course I agree.”
Laura’s loyalty to the corporation has clearly paid off. After stepping down as political editor in 2021, she moved into a high-profile hosting role on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, taking over the flagship BBC One slot the following year.
It’s no surprise, then, that her name appears high up on the BBC’s annual salary list. In 2024, her pay was revealed to be between £325,000 and £329,999 — a noticeable bump from the previous year, where she earned between £305,000 and £309,999.
She now sits comfortably among the BBC’s top earners, placing joint 12th alongside fellow presenter Sophie Raworth. Of course, Match of the Day host Gary Lineker still tops the list, pulling in around £1.35 million a year, while Huw Edwards, who has since faced disgrace, ranked third with a salary of up to £479,999.
Still, Laura’s spot on the list is a reflection not just of her pay, but of her prominence — and the trust placed in her by the BBC, and viewers, to deliver serious political reporting with clarity and, as she puts it, strict impartiality.