Lisa Ling: Investigative Journalist

Journalist and keynote speaker Lisa Ling delivers powerful insight into global and domestic social issues through fearless storytelling, investigative reporting, and decades of frontline media experience.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Executive producer and host of CNN’s This Is Life with Lisa Ling
    • Former host and executive producer of Our America on OWN
    • Veteran investigative journalist reporting from dozens of countries
    • Covered addiction, extremism, trafficking, war, and human rights
  • Formats: Journalist keynote speaker, moderator, investigative media host
  • Audiences: Organizations, conferences, universities, and leaders seeking insight on media, social issues, global affairs, and ethical storytelling
  • Outcomes:
    1. Deeper understanding of complex social and cultural issues
    2. Insight into investigative journalism and responsible storytelling
    3. Perspective on empathy, leadership, and creating informed dialogue
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • **Fee range: $50,001 - $75,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Lisa recounts stories that profoundly changed her life and talks about how travel and going beyond one’s comfort zone is wholly transformative, making one smarter, more well rounded and more marketable.

In today’s culture of sound bite news, many important issues get overlooked, if they get covered at all. Lisa Ling has dedicated herself to shedding light on stories impacting the world in which we live.

 

In her presentations, complete with a lively Q&A session, Lisa shares a collection of stories from her over 20 year career in media that have profoundly affected her outlook on life.

 

Her hope is that through her experiences people may be provoked to think about things differently and allow themselves to expand their horizons

Rituals of Womanhood

Co-authored by Lisa Ling and anthropologist Joanne B. Eicher, the National Geographic book Mother, Daughter, Sister, Bride is a compelling exploration of all things female.

 

Each chapter reveals the actions that connect a woman with herself, her family, her community, and other women.

 

Ling presents the images and stories behind the book in this fascinating look at the historical, cultural, and emotional impact of women’s rituals.

Talent Short Bio

Lisa Ling is an award-winning journalist, executive producer, and keynote speaker known for uncovering stories that are often overlooked, misunderstood, or intentionally ignored. She is the executive producer and host of This Is Life with Lisa Ling on CNN, where she examines complex social issues across America, from addiction and extremism to identity, faith, and inequality.

Before joining CNN, Lisa spent five seasons as executive producer and host of Our America on OWN, embedding herself in communities grappling with heroin addiction, poverty, underage sex trafficking, wrongful incarceration, and the long-term effects of war. Her reporting is immersive, empathetic, and grounded in trust built with people whose voices are rarely amplified.

Lisa’s career spans decades of frontline journalism. She has reported from dozens of countries for National Geographic Explorer, ABC News Nightline, and The Oprah Winfrey Show, covering global human rights issues including sexual violence in conflict zones, religious extremism, gang violence, and cultural oppression. She began her career at age 21 as a correspondent for Channel One News, covering the civil war in Afghanistan.

Lisa Ling is the executive producer and host of This is Life with Lisa Ling on CNN. Lisa explores the scourge prescription pill addiction in Utah, the recent influx of women in North Dakota’s boomtown and a town in the rural Midwest where young men aspire to be priests.

For five seasons prior, Ling executive produced and hosted Our America on OWN: the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Lisa embedded in a Midwest town ravaged by an onslaught of heroin, got exclusive access inside an anti-gay religious movement, witnessed the manifestation of PTSD in returning veterans of war and went undercover to investigate the under-age sex trafficking of minors in the nation’s capitol.

She has also profiled Americans living beneath the poverty line for the first time and people serving unimaginably lengthy prison sentences for crimes they did not commit.

As the former field correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show and contributor to ABC News’ Nightline and National Geographic’s Explorer, Lisa Ling has reported from dozens of countries, covering stories about gang rape in the Congo, bride burning in India, the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda and the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang in Central America, among other issues that are too often ignored.

Lisa got her start in journalism as a correspondent for Channel One News, where she covered the civil war in Afghanistan at 21 years of age as well as stories in dozens of countries around the world. She later went on to become a co-host of ABC Daytime’s hit show The View, which won its first daytime Emmy during her time at the show.

Lisa Ling is the co-author of Mother, Daughter, Sister, Bride: Rituals of Womanhood and Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home, which she penned with her sister, Laura.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

You may be interested in...

  • (37)
Vin Gupta

Dr. Vin Gupta, MD, MSc, MPA is a practicing pulmonologist and an affiliate professor at the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, where he’s led large, multinational epidemiologic studies on the global burden of respiratory disease. In parallel, he is a Commissioned Officer (O-4, Major) in the United States Air Force Medical […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Healthcare Speakers
  • (5)
Chef Ludo Lefebvre

In the world of gastronomy, one such name is Chef Ludo Lefebvre who is as a true mavericks, pushing the boundaries of tradition and flavor to create culinary masterpieces. With a career that has spanned both sides of the Atlantic, Chef Ludo has earned a reputation as a fearless innovator and a master of French […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Chefs Speakers
  • (43)
Dawn Dickson

Dawn Dickson is a serial entrepreneur and inventor with over 20 years of experience in technology and business development. She has founded six successful cash flow positive companies since 2001, including Flat Out of Heels (2011) and PopCom (2017) and has successfully exited one company (Lifestyle Cafe, 2021). She is the first female founder globally […]

  • Travels from: Accra, Ghana
  • Entrepreneurship
  • (37)
DJ Tim Lacatena

DJ Tim Lacatena, a DJ, Saxophonist, and Emcee based in Los Angeles. From Super Bowl LVII to Villa Medici in Rome to tech conferences in Silicon Valley, his aim as a DJ is to ensure audiences have an unforgettable and electrifying night! With over a decade of experience in the world of high-end events, Tim […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Mobile DJ
  • (55)
Ruben Gonzalez

A seemingly “ordinary guy,” Ruben Gonzalez wasn’t a gifted athlete. He didn’t take up the sport of luge until he was 21. Against all odds, four years later he was competing in the Winter Olympics. At the age of 47 he was racing against 20-year-olds in the Vancouver Winter Olympics! Ruben speaks from Olympic experience. […]

  • Travels from: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (8)
Ray Dalio - Image 01 (January 22, 2026)

Ray Dalio is a global macro investor with more than five decades of experience. He founded Bridgewater Associates from his New York City apartment and grew it into the world’s largest hedge fund and the fifth most significant private company in the United States, according to Fortune Magazine. Through pioneering investment frameworks such as risk […]

  • Travels from: Greenwich, CT
  • Economic Speakers
  • (68)
Jessie Camacho

Jessie Camacho has solidified her reputation as an experienced event moderator and emcee with over two decades of professional event hosting and facilitation experience. She has worked across various industries, including corporate, entertainment, nonprofit, and educational sectors, seamlessly engaging audiences of all sizes. Whether hosting large-scale corporate conferences, moderating high-stakes panels, or facilitating intimate roundtable […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (10)
  • (10)
Tessa Todd Morgan - Image 08 (January 27, 2026)

Tessa Todd Morgan is a mindfulness expert, personal growth coach and accredited trainer in Emotional Intelligence. As the Founder and CEO of TRIESSENCE, Tessa has coached thousands of individuals and organizations to achieve a balance of physical, mental and spiritual wellness. In 2003, Tessa began in the professional speaking industry, and was privileged to work […]

  • Travels from: Flint, TX
  • Empowerment Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.