SH0CK: BBC’s star reveals the harrowing images that ‘live with him’ in ‘disturbing’ update
BBC News presenter Clive Myrie has been a journalist for more than 30 years, and has reported from some of the world’s most dangerous places
Clive Myrie (Image: Dave Benett, Dave Benett/Getty Images for WFTV Awards)
Clive Myrie has opened up about the lasting emotional impact of reporting from some of the world’s most dangerous locations, admitting that certain moments from his career continue to stay with him.
The veteran BBC journalist has witnessed conflicts, natural disasters and major global events over several decades, yet revealed that some images and stories remain difficult to forget despite learning how to separate his professional responsibilities from his personal life.
Speaking to The i Paper, Myrie said: “I’ve got better at compartmentalising as I’ve got older. Some things live with you, obviously. There is no question that some of the images I saw reporting from Ukraine, or some of the more disturbing stories I’ve had to read on the news, stay with you. But, on the whole, I can shut that out and switch off.”
The presenter explained that creating a healthier balance away from the newsroom has become increasingly important throughout his career. Rather than dwelling on politics and current affairs in his spare time, he now focuses on maintaining friendships and enjoying cultural pursuits.
Clive Myrie (Image: undefined)
He said: “I want my life to be about the good, interesting stuff. I don’t particularly want to be thinking about Dоnɑld Tгuмρ or 𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 on my de@thbed. I want to be thinking about art or music or something uplifting. I try to live a rounded life; I make time to go to galleries and concerts. I have lunches with friends. I make sure that’s part of who I am, and part of my routine, because that is what helps keep me going.”
Clive, 61, began his BBC career as a trainee local radio reporter, initially working at BBC Radio Bristol before going on to report for regional television programme Points West, as well as BBC television and radio news.
He later became a BBC foreign correspondent, covering stories from more than 90 countries around the world. His assignments have included reporting from the conflicts in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, including one particularly dangerous posting in Iraq that led him to write a “goodbye” letter to his family in case he was k!lled.
Clive Myrie (Image: Getty Images)
Clive also revealed that he deliberately limits how much news he consumes outside of work, despite presenting some of the BBC’s biggest current affairs programmes.
He said: “I’ll listen to the Today programme headlines at 6am. Then, unless there is something I’m fascinated by, I’ll switch over to Radio 3 and not look at the news again all day. So I have no idea what’s going on in the world at that moment – and I don’t really care, because I’m going to find out about it later.”
Despite having spent decades on screen, Myrie revealed he has no plans to retire as long as he continues to enjoy the role. He said: “As long as the BBC still wants me – or any broadcaster still wants me – and I’m still able to do it, I’ll keep going.
“Retirement isn’t on the cards any time soon. I still enjoy it, even in the tough times. I still get a buzz from being in a place of jeopardy. Maybe not as much as I used to, but there is still an excitement there.”
