Ben Kentish – Respected Journalist with Rising Fame and Criticism as LBC Broadcaster
The Inspiring Yet Challenging Journey of a Political Commentator Making Headlines
Introduction
Ben Kentish is a well-known British journalist and radio presenter who has made a strong impact on political reporting and broadcasting in the United Kingdom. As a respected voice on LBC, Kentish has gained recognition for his sharp analysis, detailed reporting, and engaging delivery style. At the same time, like many public figures, his growing influence has also drawn both praise and criticism from audiences and political commentators.
His journey from a comprehensive school in north London to becoming a Cambridge Union President, and eventually a trusted figure on national radio, highlights both ambition and persistence. Today, he continues to be seen as one of the most influential young broadcasters in Britain, balancing the role of journalist and LBC presenter with confidence and clarity.
Quick Bio
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin (Ben) Kentish |
| Date of Birth | 20 March 1991 |
| Age | 34 years |
| Nationality | British |
| Birthplace | North London, UK |
| Education | Politics, Psychology & Sociology – University of Cambridge |
| Career Start | Speechwriting & political communications |
| The Independent | Political Correspondent (2016–2018) |
| LBC | Westminster Correspondent (2020), Westminster Editor (2022), Late Nights Presenter (2023– ) |
| Other Roles | Columnist – The i Paper |
| Media Appearances | BBC, Sky News, Al Jazeera, CNN |
| Football Club | Barnet FC supporter |
Early Life and Education
Ben Kentish was born on 20 March 1991 and grew up in north London. Raised in a diverse environment, he attended a comprehensive school, which gave him an early appreciation of society’s different perspectives. His interest in politics and public issues began during these formative years, where he was already drawn toward debating and communication.
He later went on to study Politics, Psychology, and Sociology at the University of Cambridge. During his time there, he rose to prominence as a student leader and served as President of the Cambridge Union in Lent term 2013. This achievement not only highlighted his leadership abilities but also provided him with a platform to engage with prominent political and social figures.
Start of Career in Journalism
After graduating from Cambridge, Kentish began his professional life in speechwriting and political communications. These early experiences sharpened his understanding of government, policymaking, and the importance of clear messaging in politics.
His career in journalism formally started in August 2016, when he joined The Independent as a news reporter. He later became a Political Correspondent, covering major national crises such as the Grenfell Tower fire, the Manchester Arena bombing, the Westminster Bridge terror attack, and the 2017 UK general election. These assignments demanded accuracy, sensitivity, and resilience—qualities that quickly earned him respect within the field.
Career at LBC
Joining LBC as Westminster Correspondent
In 2020, Ben Kentish joined LBC as Westminster Correspondent, taking on the responsibility of reporting on Parliament, government policies, and political developments. His presence in Westminster allowed him to interact directly with MPs, ministers, and advisors, giving listeners detailed insights into British politics.
Promotion to Westminster Editor and Presenter
In 2022, Kentish was promoted to Westminster Editor, where he deepened his coverage of political affairs. By September 2022, he began hosting his own Sunday show, bringing his distinct journalistic style to the radio audience. A year later, in September 2023, he became the host of Late Nights with Ben Kentish, a program airing from 10 pm to 1 am, Monday to Thursday.
Work Beyond LBC
Apart from his role at LBC, Ben Kentish contributes as a columnist for The i Paper, where his articles focus on political analysis, current events, and social debates. His ability to balance writing and broadcasting demonstrates his versatility as a journalist.
He has also appeared on major international platforms, including BBC News, Sky News, Al Jazeera, and CNN, where he is invited as a political commentator. This reflects his recognition not just in the UK, but on a global stage, as someone capable of explaining complex political issues in clear and relatable ways.
Style and Approach as a Journalist
Ben Kentish is known for being direct, engaging, and analytical. His reporting style avoids unnecessary complexity and instead focuses on explaining issues in a way that ordinary listeners and readers can understand.
At the same time, his growing role as an LBC presenter has brought challenges. Some admire his confidence and clarity, while others criticize him for being too direct or for questioning political figures with persistence. This balance of admiration and critique has become part of his identity as a modern broadcaster who does not shy away from difficult topics.
Personal Life and Interests
While Kentish is private about his personal life, it is publicly known that he is a lifelong supporter of Barnet FC, a football club based in north London. His passion for football is often reflected in light-hearted moments outside of political reporting.
By keeping much of his personal life away from the public eye, he focuses attention on his professional contributions as a journalist. This choice has helped him maintain credibility and focus on his work rather than his personal affairs.
Legacy and Impact
Ben Kentish has already made a significant impact on British journalism at a relatively young age. His ability to transition from print journalism at The Independent to becoming a recognized voice on LBC highlights his adaptability in the evolving media industry.
As a journalist, his legacy lies in his commitment to accurate reporting, sharp political analysis, and engaging communication. For many listeners and readers, he represents a new generation of broadcasters who are not afraid to ask tough questions while maintaining professional balance. His influence continues to grow, making him one of the most promising names in UK media.
Conclusion
Ben Kentish stands out as both an inspiring and debated figure in British journalism. His rise from a north London school to Cambridge Union President, then from The Independent to LBC’s Late Nights, reflects hard work, ambition, and dedication. While admired for his insightful political analysis, he has also faced criticism—a natural part of being a visible broadcaster.
Ultimately, Ben Kentish continues to shape the media landscape as a journalist and LBC presenter, bringing important political discussions into people’s homes and cars every day. His career is still developing, and his legacy as a trusted political voice is already taking shape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is Ben Kentish?
Ben Kentish is a British journalist and broadcaster, best known for his role as a presenter on LBC and his previous reporting at The Independent.
Q2: What is Ben Kentish’s educational background?
He studied Politics, Psychology, and Sociology at the University of Cambridge and served as President of the Cambridge Union.
Q3: What show does Ben Kentish host on LBC?
He hosts Late Nights with Ben Kentish, which airs Monday to Thursday from 10 pm to 1 am.
Q4: What other media outlets has he appeared on?
Ben has appeared as a political commentator on BBC News, Sky News, Al Jazeera, and CNN, as well as writing columns for The i Paper.
Q5: What is Ben Kentish’s legacy in journalism?
He is recognized for his sharp political analysis, engaging presentation style, and his role in shaping modern British political broadcasting.
