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Sumi Somaskanda

Sumi Somaskanda is an American journalist, news anchor, and international correspondent. She serves as a Chief Presenter at BBC News, based in Washington, D.C., covering global politics and major international events. Previously a senior presenter at Deutsche Welle in Berlin, she has also written for major outlets including The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, and The Washington Post.

Overview

Sumi Somaskanda's Profile

Sumi Somaskanda is an American journalist born in Rochester, New York, United States, to parents of Tamil heritage from India. Growing up in a multicultural household helped shape her global outlook and interest in international affairs.

She studied journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in Chicago, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism. During her early career she worked as a reporter in the United States, covering local politics and news in New York state and Washington, D.C.

Somaskanda later moved to Germany after receiving a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship. She spent more than a decade in Berlin working for Deutsche Welle (DW News) as a correspondent and senior presenter, covering European politics, migration, and global diplomacy.

In March 2023, she joined BBC News as a Chief Presenter, based in Washington, D.C., anchoring international news coverage and reporting on U.S. politics and global affairs.

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Sumi Somaskanda
  • Gender: Female
  • Date of Birth: 2000-01-01
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: Asian, South Asian
  • Sexual Orientation: Straight
  • Marital Status: Single
  • Career Start: 2002
  • Current Network:
  • Years Active
  • Estimated Salary: $250, 000

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TV Shows

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Current Hosts

20
Years Active

50
Awards Won

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

BBC World News America

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

      Education

      Educational background and qualifications

      • Attended Medill School of Journalism Northwestern University in Chicago; graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism
      • Attended Northwestern University; graduated with a Master’s Degree in Journalism

      Net Worth & Income

      Income sources, net worth, and properties.

      • Income from presenter role at BBC
      • Earnings from freelance writing for major international publications
      • Revenue from conference moderation and speaking engagements
      • Earnings from editorial and academic lecturing roles

      Awards

      Awards & recognition