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Born on October 17, 1984 in Richmond upon Thames, Sophy Ridge’s journey into journalism began at a young age. Ridge attended Tiffin Girls’ School, a renowned high school in Kingston. At just 16 years old, she began gaining experience at her local newspaper, the Richmond and Twickenham Times, laying the foundations for her future career.
Although she grew up in a household that wasn’t particularly interested in current affairs – a household that didn’t even have a television until she was 13 – Ridge’s interest in journalism grew. blossomed. His first steps in the world of media foreshadowed his impressive professional career.
Academic pursuits
Ridge pursued higher education at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, where she studied English. It was during her stay at Oxford that she attended a lecture by Paul Nicholas, then deputy editor of the News of the World. Seizing the opportunity, Ridge contacted Nicholas for work experience, which he granted. This experience during her final year at Oxford was pivotal, leading her to enroll in the newspaper’s graduate program.
Rise of journalism
After completing the graduate training program, Ridge quickly made his mark. In 2009, just two years later, she was appointed consumer correspondent at the News of the World. His tenure at the newspaper, however, was cut short by the impending phone hacking scandal in 2011. This scandal prompted Ridge to move into broadcasting, joining Sky News as a senior political correspondent.
At Sky News, Ridge’s focus on British politics positioned her as a prominent figure in national political coverage. Initially a journalist, she later took over the Friday edition of “Sky News Tonight”. Eventually, she got her own Sunday morning political show, “Sophy Ridge on Sunday”, which was created to compete with the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show. Ridge’s interviewing prowess was on display in his early interviews, including with then-Prime Minister Theresa May and other high-profile politicians like Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer.
Leading political coverage
In April 2022, Ridge’s role expanded with the launch of a new Wednesday evening political program, “The Take with Sophy Ridge”. This show has further cemented its status as a key player in political journalism, offering in-depth analysis and interviews with major political figures.
Advocacy and challenges
Ridge identifies as a feminist and has openly discussed the challenges she faces as a political journalist. She shared anecdotes where male MPs mistook her for a fashion journalist and a meteorologist, highlighting the sexism prevalent in the industry. Ridge has also been the target of sexist abuse on social media, particularly on Twitter. She recognizes the need to have thick skin in her profession and cites fellow Sky News presenter Kay Burley as an important role model.
In 2017, Ridge wrote a book called Women who shaped politics, exploring the contributions of women to British politics. Her work highlights her commitment to feminist principles and her efforts to draw attention to the role of women in political history.
Private life
Ridge’s personal life is marked by her marriage to Ben Griffiths, who has a background in journalism and public relations. The couple’s shared professional interests likely provide a strong foundation for their relationship. Ridge took maternity leave in 2017 and again in 2021, during which Trevor Phillips stepped in to present his show. These periods of maternity leave highlight the balance Ridge maintains between her demanding career and family life.
Current role
At present, Sophy Ridge continues to be a prominent figure on Sky News. Her programmes, ‘Sophy Ridge on Sunday’ and ‘The Take with Sophy Ridge’, are key parts of Sky’s political coverage, attracting significant audiences and influencing public discourse. Ridge’s ability to navigate the complex landscape of political journalism with integrity and resilience sets her apart in the field.
Conclusion
Sophy Ridge’s career is a testament to her dedication, skill and resilience. From his early days at a local newspaper to his current role as a leading political journalist at Sky News, Ridge has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his profession. His journey, marked by significant achievements and challenges, serves as an inspiration to aspiring journalists and a reminder of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
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