Dame Jenni Murray, the legendary broadcaster who presented BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour for more than three decades, has died aged 75.
BBC Radio 4 icon Dame Jenni Murray has died. The legendary broadcaster, who spent more than three decades on the network, had previously been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.
The 75-year-old broadcaster became the longest-serving host in the BBC Radio 4 programme’s history before her exit in 2020, having first appeared on the show in 1987. Last year, she said she was “grateful” for the Christmas period, admitting she initially believed she didn’t think it would happen.
In November, she said that she spent hours in the hospital after suffering what she believed to have been an asthma attack. However, she was subsequently diagnosed with COVID-19.
“Several of us were lined up alongside the corridor wall waiting for attention,” she said of being in hospital.
Dame Jenni spent the night in a “squishy blue plastic chair,” as there were no beds available.
During her tenure at the BBC, Dame Jenni interviewed high-profile figures such as Bette Davis, Margaret Thatcher, Monica Lewinsky, Hillary Clinton, Kate McCann, Dame Judi Dench, Saoirse Ronan and Joan Baez, who sang Diamonds And Rust in the studio for her.
Dame Jenni joined BBC Newsnight in 1983, before moving to Radio 4 as a presenter on the Today programme. She became the regular presenter of Woman’s Hour in 1987 and was made a dame in 2011 in recognition of her contribution to broadcasting.
BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “Her legacy endures in the countless conversations she started, the many issues she championed and the lives she touched.”
Columnist and author Mark Urban paid tribute on X, saying: “Very sorry to see that Jenni Murray has died – as a trainee producer I was dispatched to BBC Southampton in 1984 and worked with her in the newsroom. She was whip smart, always cut through the BS, and her journalism was guided by empathy.”
Financial journalist Paul Lewis said: “Devastatingly sad that the brilliant broadcaster and journalist Jenni Murray has died aged 75. I have met her several times recently and was so impressed with her staunch feminism, great writing, wit, and empathy.
“RIP Jenni. You were a treasure and will be much missed.”
Mohit Bakaya, Controller, BBC Radio 4 and Director of BBC Speech Audio paid tribute, saying: “Jenni Murray was a formidable voice in British broadcasting who was warm, fearless and beloved by listeners. During her decades at Woman’s Hour, she helped shape the national conversation with intelligence, rigour and a remarkable ability to connect with audiences.
“Jenni leaves an indelible legacy on generations of listeners. We are profoundly grateful for her outstanding contribution to Radio 4, and she will be deeply missed.”
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