Ian Masters Biography
Ian Masters is an Australian-born journalist who honed his skills at the BBC before making a name for himself in the United States. He’s a multifaceted talent—commentator, author, screenwriter, and documentary filmmaker.
Most people recognize him as the host of the radio program Background Briefing, which dives deep into American politics, foreign policy, and domestic security matters. Masters kicked off the show on KPFK back in 1980 as a weekly feature, and by 2009, it had grown to a five-day-a-week format, reaching a broad audience across more than forty radio stations nationwide, not to mention its availability as a podcast.
After stepping away from his hosting duties at KPFK, he kept the spirit of Background Briefing alive by producing it from his home in Santa Monica as an independent online podcast. During this time, the show found a new home on KPFA, moving away from its original FM station. Then, in early 2025, after some changes at KPFK under interim station manager Maggie LaPique, Masters brought his podcast distribution back to the station.
Ian Masters Age | Birthday
Master was born in Australia, he is well-known for keeping his personal information private. As a result, his actual birthday remains uncertain.
Ian Masters Height
Ian’s height is currently unavailable. His details about his other body measurements will be updated as soon as possible.
Ian Masters Ethnicity | Nationality
What ethnicity is Ian? he belongs to the white ethnicity/heritage, he was born and raised in Australia and grew up in America, Ian holds Australian-American nationality.
Ian Masters Early Life | Family
The broadcast journalist was born to Olga Masters and Charles Masters in Australia. He has a brother by the name of Roy Masters.
Ian Masters Wife | Spouse
Ian Masters Net Worth
Master’s net worth is still under review, apparently, he has amassed a modest wealth through the revenues of his job as an anchor/reporter and producer. However, this includes his property, funds, and earnings. His main source of income is his work as a journalist. Apparently, information about his net worth will be updated later.
Ian Masters KPFK |Career
Masters is the host of the KPFK, Pacifica Radio program Background Briefing, which focuses on American politics, foreign policy, and domestic security issues. Since 1980, Masters has hosted a weekly episode of Background Briefing; in 2009, the program was expanded to five days per week. It is broadcast on over forty radio stations in the United States and is also available as a podcast. Masters resigned from his position as host of “Background Briefing” at KPFK and now produces the show as an online podcast from his home in Santa Monica. His shows are no longer broadcast on KPFK FM radio.
Masters previously worked as a Senior Fellow at UCLA’s Center for Strategic and International Affairs and as a Senior Fellow at UCLA’s Center for International Relations. He also worked as a consultant for the Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Center for National Security Studies. He was the host of the 2005 PEN Center USA Awards in Los Angeles, California, which previously honored Gore Vidal, Ursula K. Le Guin, Charlie Kaufman, and Robert Alter. On September 18, 2007, Masters moderated a discussion with John J. Mearscheimer and Stephen M. Walt titled “The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy.” The event was part of the Hammer Forum, which was held at the UCLA Hammer Museum. On September 25, 2007, Masters moderated a panel discussion on “Foreign Policy after the Bush Administration”. The event was also held at UCLA’s Hammer Museum. Panelists included John Brady Kiesling, John B. Judis, Christopher O’Sullivan and Steven Clemons.
