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Paul Mason

Paul Mason is a British journalist, author, broadcaster, and political commentator known for his reporting on economics, globalisation, and politics.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Paul Mason is a British journalist, author, broadcaster, and political commentator known for his reporting on economics, globalisation, and politics. He worked as economics editor for BBC Two's Newsnight and later for Channel 4 News before becoming a freelance writer and commentator. He has also written several books on capitalism, labour, and political change.

Early life and education

Paul Mason was born in Leigh, Greater Manchester, in 1960. He studied music and politics at Sheffield University before moving into journalism in the early 1990s.

Broadcast journalism career

Mason joined the BBC in 2001 and became a prominent economics journalist on Newsnight. He later moved to Channel 4 News, where he covered economics and major international political and financial events.

Writing and commentary

Mason has written several books on contemporary politics and economics, including PostCapitalism: A Guide to Our Future. He has also contributed columns and commentary to newspapers and magazines in the UK and abroad.

Political views and public profile

Mason is known for left-leaning political commentary and analysis of capitalism, labour, and social change. He frequently appears on television and radio as a commentator on politics and geopolitics.

Key facts

  • Worked at the BBC from 2001, including as economics editor of Newsnight.
  • Joined Channel 4 News in 2013 and became economics editor in 2014.
  • Left Channel 4 in 2016 and later worked as a freelance journalist and columnist.
  • His book PostCapitalism was widely translated and became a bestseller.
  • Became an Aneurin Bevan Associate Fellow in Defence and Resilience at the Council on Geostrategy in 2024.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Paul Mason?
Paul Mason is a British journalist, author, broadcaster, and political commentator known for his reporting on economics and politics.
What is Paul Mason known for?
He is best known for work as economics editor on BBC Newsnight and Channel 4 News, and for books such as PostCapitalism.
What books has Paul Mason written?
His books include Live Working or Die Fighting, Meltdown, Why It's Kicking Off Everywhere, PostCapitalism, Rare Earth, and How To Stop Fascism.
Where was Paul Mason born?
He was born in Leigh, Greater Manchester, England, in 1960.
What did Paul Mason do after Channel 4?
After leaving Channel 4 in 2016, he worked as a freelance journalist, columnist, and commentator.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Mason_(journalist)
    Supports: Birth year, nationality, BBC and Channel 4 roles, freelance work, later affiliations.
  2. The Orwell Foundation — https://www.orwellfoundation.com/journalist/paul-mason/
    Supports: Born in Leigh in 1960, education, BBC career, awards, journalism background.
  3. High Profiles — https://highprofiles.info/interview/paul-mason/
    Supports: List of books authored by Paul Mason.
  4. CCCB — https://www.cccb.org/en/participants/file/paul-mason/231509
    Supports: Career summary, economics journalism, and PostCapitalism.
  5. Paul Mason — https://www.paulmason.org/bio/
    Supports: Identity and biography details from his official site.