Kirsty Young: 5 News, Desert Island Discs, and a life in broadcasting
Legends of News
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
Subscribe to this podcast
Download our free app
Listen on the go or at home with our free smart phone app for iOS and Android devices!
OnAir Today
-
70's on Saturday with Alex Sweeney10:00pm - 11:00pm
Another chance to hear 70's on Saturday from the weekend.
-
Durham After Dark11:00pm - 4:00am
Relaxing music and laid back chat. Ease into the night with North East conversation and soft night time tunes.
-
Wake Up Durham4:00am - 7:00am
Starting early? Still going from the night before? Start the day with Just Great Music from the past 6 decades and regular news updates.
-
Morning Report7:00am - 7:20am
Join the team from the newsroom as they deliver your morning update of the latest stories.