Phil Black is an Australian journalist and international news correspondent best known for his work with CNN. He currently serves as a CNN correspondent based in Moscow, reporting on major global events from the Russian region and beyond.
Born in Australia, Phil Black pursued his passion for journalism at Macleay College in Sydney, where he earned an Associate Diploma in Journalism. His early academic focus laid a strong foundation for his future in broadcast news and international reporting.
Phil Black began his journalism career with the travel program Getaway on Australia's Channel Nine. Initially working as a researcher, he was responsible for logistical coordination and content development for globally produced travel segments. Over time, he advanced to the role of producer and eventually transitioned into reporting.
Following his tenure at Channel Nine, Black joined Seven News, one of Australia's highest-rated news programs, where he worked for over seven years. During this period, he covered several major domestic and international stories, including the CityRail crisis, the 2002 Christmas bushfires, the Redfern riots, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and the reaction to motor racing legend Peter Brock’s death in Bathurst.
In 2007, Black transitioned to CNN International as a freelance reporter. He reported on numerous high-profile stories in Europe, such as the London terror attacks, Princess Diana inquest, the highly publicized McCartney-Mills divorce, Finnish school shootings, and the search for missing British child Madeleine McCann. His fieldwork also included coverage of the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia over South Ossetia, as well as the 2010 "cash-for-access" scandal involving Sarah, Duchess of York.
In 2011, Phil Black officially became a CNN correspondent based in Moscow. From Russia, he has reported on pivotal political and cultural developments, including Vladimir Putin’s re-election as President and the arrest of members of the controversial punk rock protest group Pussy Riot. His deep knowledge of Russian affairs and consistent on-the-ground reporting have made him a credible source on geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Phil Black is married to British comedian and television personality Ellie Taylor. The couple wed in London in 2014. Taylor, known for her sharp wit and commanding stage presence, began her stand-up comedy career around 2009. Juggling entertainment jobs and open-mic stands, she gradually rose through the ranks of the UK comedy scene.
Over the next decade, she gained visibility through roles on popular television shows such as The Mash Report and Mock the Week on BBC Two, as well as guest appearances on 8 Out of 10 Cats and QI. Taylor has headlined three UK comedy tours and featured prominently on Live at the Apollo.
In a 2019 interview with Stylist magazine, Taylor revealed her affinity for the Harry Potter series, citing it as a source of comfort since her early days in comedy. She also shared that the advent of audiobook platforms like Audible has introduced her to more nonfiction material than she once consumed in traditional book form.
| Occupations: | Journalist |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Australian journalist |
| Twitter Id: | PhilBlackCNN |
| Net Worth 2021: | 5 million |
