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:
- Deeper understanding of complex social and cultural issues
- Insight into investigative journalism and responsible storytelling
- Perspective on empathy, leadership, and creating informed dialogue
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- **Fee range: $50,001 - $75,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
The Importance of a Global Perspective
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.
Open Heart, Open Mind
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
Mother, Daughter, Sister, Bride
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.
Read Full Bio
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
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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...
- (23)
- (2)
Best known as a creator of Siri, Apple’s AI assistant, Adam Cheyer is a visionary pioneer in artificial intelligence and computer-human interaction. With a career spanning decades at the forefront of technological innovation, he has helped shape the evolution of AI, voice interfaces, and the future of human-computer collaboration. As an inventor with 39 patents, […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Innovation Speakers
- (13)
In the realm of professional emcees, there are few who embody the essence of warmth, authenticity, and charisma quite like Melanie Lawson. With a career spanning over two decades in the television industry, Melanie has not only garnered acclaim as an Emmy Award-winning journalist but has also established herself as a sought-after professional emcee, moderator, […]
- Travels from: Jacksonville, FL
- Event Emcee
- (50)
Margaret Brennan has reported on politics, international affairs, and global markets for nearly two decades. Currently the moderator of CBS News’ Face the Nation and the network’s senior foreign affairs correspondent, she is one of the most visible faces in political news today and only the second-ever female host of the 63-year-old program. Brennan focuses […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Journalism Speakers
- (70)
From humble beginnings on a midwest farm in central Ohio, Jeff Bloomfield has taken the life lessons from his storytelling “Papaw” (Grandfather) combined with his corporate career in Biotech and Neuroscience to create programs that allow you to discover how you’re truly wired for greatness and how to communicate in an authentic way to drive […]
- Travels from: Mason, OH
- Sales Speakers
- (79)
Dr. Eric Thomas, affectionately known as “ET, The Hip Hop Preacher,” stands as a beacon of inspiration in the world of motivational speaking. With a Ph.D. to his name, Dr. Thomas transcends traditional boundaries, seamlessly blending the roles of author, speaker, educator, pastor, and Audie Awards Finalist. His journey from adversity to triumph has captivated […]
- Travels from: Lansing, MI
- Motivational Speakers
- (29)
Dima Ghawi is a Jordanian American award-winning author, leadership keynote speaker, and executive coach. She is the founder of a global talent development company dedicated to advancing individuals in leadership. Through her compelling storytelling and insightful presentations, Dima empowers professionals worldwide to shatter limitations and embrace their full potential. Born in Ankara, Turkey, and raised […]
- Travels from: Baton Rouge, LA
- Leadership Speakers
- (11)
Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A., is a distinguished attorney, best-selling author, and renowned expert in negotiation and conflict resolution. As the Founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute (ANI), he has dedicated his career to empowering individuals and organizations to navigate difficult conversations and achieve meaningful outcomes. Kwame’s dynamic approach and practical strategies have made […]
- Travels from: Columbus, OH
- Negotiation Speakers
- (17)
Here’s everything you get when you book with A Touch Of Class: Extremely talented DJ, Emcee Singer, Guitarist, ultimate music playlists, continuous music, music consultation, venue site visit, full professional state-of-the-art sound and lighting production, set up and breakdown. Being a musician in addition to being a Wedding DJ gives you the best of both […]
- Travels from: Rancho Santa Fe, CA
- Mobile DJ
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
