The co-hosts of hit podcast The News Agents have been announced as the headliners for the University of Hertfordshire's Festival of Ideas.

Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall, formerly of the BBC, have interviewed prime ministers, public figures and even US presidents during their careers.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Jon SopelJon Sopel (Image: University of Hertfordshire)

They will address the audience at the university's Amphitheatre Stage at 11am on Saturday, May 18.

The duo will unravel the latest news in politics and how it affects the public - all in a manner suitable for a family audience.

As in their podcast, they will provide analysis and explanations of current affairs with scepticism and humour.

Jon Sopel was previously a correspondent for BBC World News, BBC North America editor and presenter for BBC1's The Politics Show.

Meanwhile Lewis Goodall was the policy editor for the BBC's flagship current affairs programme Newsnight, played a significant role in the corporation's election coverage and was also a political correspondent for Sky News. 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Jon SopelJon Sopel (Image: University of Hertfordshire)

Jon and Lewis launched The News Agents podcast with Global Media & Entertainment in August 2022, alongside fellow ex-BBC journalist Emily Maitlis.

The podcast examines the big headlines from the past 24 hours and features interviews with the likes of Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

They have also featured celebrities such as Olivia Colman and Joe Lycett.

Jon Sopel said: "We’re very excited to be joining the University of Hertfordshire's Festival of Ideas this May.

"In what is shaping up to be a frenetic election year, it’s more important than ever to lift the lid on the issues facing families and communities across Britain."

Lewis Goodall added: "The news is first and foremost about the lives of ordinary people.

"At the Festival of Ideas, we’ll be discussing the impact of the headlines on us all and asking what role every generation has in shaping tomorrow."

Thousands of people have already registered their interest for the Festival of Ideas, which is the university's largest ever event.

Free web booking is currently open at https://www.herts.ac.uk/ideas. Those interested can secure their festival ticket and then book onto exclusive sessions on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Festival of Ideas is a free, two-day, family friendly event which takes place at the university's College Lane campus on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18.

Professor Quintin McKellar, vice chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said: "The News Agents is one of the most exciting current affairs shows to have launched in recent years and has really broken the mould in the world of journalism and politics.

"We are delighted to welcome Lewis and Jon to our Festival of Ideas and I hope everyone comes away having learned from their unparalleled insight into the corridors of power."

As well as hearing from the podcast hosts, visitors can choose from more than 50 sessions showcasing the university's research, enterprise and partnerships through workshops, talks, performances, exhibitions, immersive experiences and more.

Attendees can visit the university's pop-up planetarium and film and TV studios, as well as meeting the resident robots, learning the secrets of success from industry leaders and meeting the university's experts in business, AI, technology, arts, culture, health and sport.

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A spokesperson from the University of Hertfordshire added: "From our start as a leading educator within Britain’s aeronautical industry to our extensive offering today, we have always specialised in providing the environment and expertise needed to power every kind of potential.   

"For our thriving community of more than 30,000 students from over 140 countries, that means high-quality teaching from experts engaged in ground-breaking research with real-world impact.

"Access to over 550 career-focused degree options and a chance to study at more than 170 universities worldwide, using outstanding, true to life facilities. And industry connections that offer professional networking opportunities which take talents even further."