Sam McAlister

Speaker Sam McAlister, television producer and author, developer of the Prince Andrew TV interview.

Samantha McAlister is the renowned British television producer, author, and speaker, known for her exceptional skills in securing high-profile interviews and managing complex and delicate negotiation. With her background in law and journalism, Sam’s career in broadcasting included over a decade at the BBC, where she became the mastermind behind some of the most talked-about news interviews of recent years, most notably during her time with the flagship news programme, Newsnight.

Sam McAlister’s expertise in negotiation and her sense for a compelling story enabled her to secure interviews with world leaders, celebs, and controversial figures alike. However, Sam’s career-defining moment came when she secured the bombshell interview with Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, Prince Andrew, in 2019, a production that won huge global attention and critical acclaim. The story of how the historic documentary came to be made was made into not just one, but two docu-dramas: the Amazon Prime three-part series A Very Royal Scandal, and the Netflix film Scoop, based on the book by Sam MacAlister and in which she was played, famously, by Billie Piper.

McAlister left her job at Newsnight in 2021 to write the book which was published in 2022. Leaving her position at the BBC was a huge risk, but Sam was ready to tell her story. The result is a candid and insightful look into the world of news production and high-level content negotiation. It has been praised for its wit, transparency, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on moments that have shaped contemporary media and current affairs.

As a keynote speaker Sam McAlister is expert in:

Negotiation: Renowned for her ability to persuade high-profile individuals to participate in probing interviews under challenging circumstances.

Broadcast Journalism: Deep experience in producing hard-hitting news segments and investigative journalism.

Storytelling: Skilled in crafting narratives that reveal deeper truths and resonate with diverse audiences.

Media Training: Offers insights into handling media appearances, managing public image, and crisis communication.

Sam brings a unique blend of frontline experience, tactical thinking, and engaging storytelling to every speaking engagement.

Her presentations are insightful, inspiring, and filled with actionable takeaways for professionals in media, communications, business, and beyond. Audiences appreciate her honesty, humour, and willingness to share the triumphs and tribulations of life in the media and come away with insights into contemporary communication, resilience, the price of reputation and on how the media can remain able to speak Truth To Power.

We are delighted that Sam McAlister has chosen Specialist Speakers as an approved speaker agent. To contact Sam McAlister for your next event call a Specialist Speakers agent on +44 [0]1455 633289 or email info@specialistspeakers.com