Mehdi Hasan, a prominent British-American journalist and broadcaster, has solidified his reputation as one of the toughest interviewers in global media.
Recently, his Head to Head interview with Kimani Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader of the Kenyan National Assembly, aired on Al Jazeera English on February 27, 2025, sparking significant buzz.
Conducted in front of a live audience at London’s Conway Hall, Hasan pressed Ichung’wah on allegations of police brutality and enforced disappearances during Kenya’s 2024 protests against the government’s Finance Bill.
The interview, marked by Hasan’s signature relentless questioning, drew attention for Ichung’wah’s dismissal of these claims as a “conspiracy” and his tense exchanges with Hasan over accountability and governance.
But who is Hasan?
Education
Born in July 1979 in Swindon, England, Hasan graduated from Christ Church, Oxford, with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), a program known for producing sharp analytical minds.
His time at Oxford honed his debating skills and deepened his interest in political discourse, which would later define his journalistic style.
Early career
Hasan’s entry into media was modest but ambitious. He began as a researcher and producer on ITV’s Jonathan Dimbleby program, gaining hands-on experience in television journalism.
A brief stint on BBC’s The Politics Show followed, exposing him to political reporting at a national level. He then joined Sky News as deputy executive producer of the breakfast show Sunrise, sharpening his editorial instincts.
By 2009, Hasan had moved to Channel 4 as editor of news and current affairs, before being appointed senior political editor at the New Statesman.
His tenure there showcased his ability to blend rigorous analysis with provocative commentary, setting the stage for his rise in broadcast journalism.
Later career
Hasan’s career took a significant leap in 2012 when he joined Al Jazeera English as a presenter, hosting shows like The Café, Head to Head, and UpFront.
Relocating to Washington, D.C. in 2015, he became a full-time fixture at Al Jazeera, where his interviews with figures like Israeli historian Benny Morris and former Trump adviser Steven Rogers gained viral traction.
Beyond Al Jazeera, Hasan hosted The Mehdi Hasan Show on Peacock and MSNBC from 2020 to 2023, leaving the network in January 2024 to launch Zeteo, his own media venture.
He also joined The Guardian as a columnist in February 2024 and returned to Head to Head in June 2024, reaffirming his ties with Al Jazeera.
His podcast Deconstructed with The Intercept (2018–2020) further showcased his ability to dissect complex issues, from police brutality to global politics.
Hasan’s authorship of Win Every Argument and a biography of Ed Miliband underscores his versatility as a communicator.
Awards and recognition
Hasan has been named one of the 100 most influential Britons on Twitter, reflecting his digital impact.
Additionally, he’s been included in The Muslim 500, an annual list of the world’s most influential Muslims, recognizing his role as a prominent Shia Muslim voice in media.
