Who Is Steve Rosenberg Wife? Meet Raisa, the Woman Behind the BBC’s Moscow Veteran

Updated: February 03, 2026

Who Is Steve Rosenberg Wife? When you think of BBC News coverage from Russia, one name stands out: Steve Rosenberg. As the long-standing Moscow correspondent and now Russia Editor, he’s become a familiar voice delivering sharp, human-centered reporting from one of the world’s most challenging news beats. But behind the camera and the iconic piano videos, there’s a quieter but equally important story—his personal life and the woman who’s been by his side for decades: his wife, Raisa.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Steve Rosenberg’s wife, their life together in Moscow, and how family keeps him grounded amid intense global events.

Who Is Steve Rosenberg?

Before diving into his family life, let’s quickly recap who Steve is for anyone new to his work.

Born on April 5, 1968, in Epping, Essex, England, Steve Rosenberg studied Russian at the University of Leeds, graduating with first-class honors in 1991. That passion for the language and culture pulled him to Moscow in his early 20s, initially to teach English.

He transitioned into journalism, starting with CBS News in Moscow before joining the BBC in 1997. Since 2003, he’s been the BBC’s Moscow correspondent (with a brief stint in Berlin), covering everything from the Kursk submarine disaster to the ongoing war in Ukraine. In 2022, he was named Russia Editor.

Steve’s reporting style stands out—he’s direct, thoughtful, and often adds a human touch, whether confronting leaders or sharing stories of ordinary Russians. He’s also known for his piano playing, posting moving musical tributes that have won him a big online following.

Meet Raisa: Steve Rosenberg’s Wife

Steve Rosenberg’s wife is Raisa, a Russian woman who has been his partner through more than three decades in Moscow.

The couple met after Steve moved to Russia in the early 1990s, and their relationship blossomed against the backdrop of post-Soviet changes. Steve has spoken warmly about falling in love with Russian culture—and proudly says he’s “married one of them.”

Raisa has remained largely out of the spotlight, as Steve tends to keep his private life private. But in interviews, he has described her as a core part of his support system. In a 2025 New Statesman profile, he referred to his “holy trinity” that helps him cope with the pressures of reporting from Russia: his wife, his dog, and his piano.

Living in Moscow has become increasingly complicated due to geopolitical tensions, travel restrictions, and the isolation of being one of the last Western journalists there. Raisa and Steve face long, expensive journeys (often via Istanbul) to visit their grown children in England.

Despite the challenges, their partnership appears strong and steady—built on shared experiences in a country that’s both home and a constant professional test.

Family Life and Children

Steve and Raisa have two children—a daughter and a son—who are now in their twenties and living in the UK.

  • Daughter — Born around the late 1990s/early 2000s (she was 22 in 2021 interviews)
  • Son — Slightly younger (19 in 2021)

The kids grew up in Moscow but now live in England, making family visits a logistical challenge. Steve has mentioned the high costs and long travel times required to see them, underscoring how family remains a priority even in difficult circumstances.

Here’s a quick overview of key family details:

AspectDetails
Wife’s NameRaisa
NationalityRussian
Marriage DurationOver 25+ years (met in early 1990s)
Children1 daughter, 1 son (both in 20s)
Children’s LocationUnited Kingdom
Family Support SystemDescribed as “holy trinity”: wife, dog, piano
ResidenceMoscow, Russia

This table captures the essentials that show how intertwined Steve’s professional and personal worlds are.

Life in Moscow: Challenges and Anchors

Being married to Steve means sharing the realities of life under intense scrutiny. Moscow has been home for most of their adult lives, but recent years have brought added strain—limited Western media presence, travel hurdles, and the emotional toll of covering conflict.

Yet Steve often highlights the positive anchors: his family, his music, and simple joys like walking the dog. Raisa plays a vital role here, providing stability and a personal connection to Russian life that enriches his perspective as a journalist.

Their story is a reminder that even in high-stakes reporting, the human side—love, family, resilience—matters deeply.

Conclusion: A Quiet Strength Behind the Headlines

Steve Rosenberg’s wife, Raisa, may not appear in front of the camera, but she’s an essential part of the man millions watch and read every day. Their long marriage, shared life in Moscow, and commitment to family offer a touching contrast to the often grim news Steve reports.

In a career defined by big events and bold questions, it’s the personal anchors—like Raisa, their children, and even the family dog—that keep him steady. It’s a quiet, powerful reminder that behind every respected journalist is often an equally strong personal foundation.

If you’re fascinated by Steve’s work, check out his BBC reports or his occasional piano posts—they reveal a lot about the man and the life he’s built with Raisa.

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