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
Listen on the Go
Listen on the go or at home with our free smart phone app for iOS and Android devices!
OnAir Today
-
Just Great Music2:00pm - 5:00pm
Just great music from the past five decades
-
Durham Drive with Damian Robinson5:00pm - 7:00pm
Inject some joy into your commute with Damian! Just Great Music, news updates and fun games to get you home!
-
Just Great Music
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Just great music from the past five decades
-
Durham After Dark11:00pm - 4:00am
Another chance to here Hi NRG Heaven from Friday night.