Kirsty Young: 5 News, Desert Island Discs, and a life in broadcasting

Legends of News

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Sunday, 21 September 2025 - 50 minutes

Kirsty Young is one of the most distinctive voices in British broadcasting. From reading continuity announcements on BBC Radio Scotland to hosting Desert Island Discs, Kirsty recalls breaking TV news tradition by standing up behind the newsdesk, interviewing Tony Blair on launch night, and anchoring live as 9/11 unfolded — including an on-air interview with her husband in Manhattan.They explore what it means to find your voice as a journalist, the privilege of covering Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, and the power of music to reveal the truth about people. Kirsty also reflects on how Channel 5 News rehearsals prepared her for launch night, and why the chaos of live breaking news still excites her.Kirsty also reveals:Why she never watches herself back on TVHow radio remains her first loveThe thrill of “finding her tribe” when she first walked into a newsroomFor more information email: LegendsofNews@Sassyplus.comFollow Dermot: @DermotMurnaghanInstagram: @legendsofnewspodcastX: @LegendsofNewsFollow Sassy+: Instagram: @sassyplus_/ Linkedin: in/sassy plus/ TikTok: @sassyplus_ www.sassyplus.comA @Sassy+ original podcast series

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