BBC’s Clive Myrie inspires UEA students with insights into reporting, resilience and career pathways
By: Communications
One of the BBC’s most recognisable news reporters visited the University of East Anglia (UEA) to share insights from a career at the forefront of broadcast journalism.
Clive Myrie, multi-award-winning journalist and the face of BBC 1’s News at Ten, took part in a student-led Q&A session, followed by an ‘in-conversation’ event with friend and UEA lecturer Barnie Choudhury.
At the free evening event on Tuesday 12 May, Myrie traced his journey from trainee reporter to one of the BBC’s most experienced foreign correspondents and current host of Mastermind.
He also reflected on the defining moments of his career, sharing first-hand accounts of reporting from conflict zones and covering major political events, while highlighting the skills and resilience needed to succeed in the industry.
An inspiring opportunity to interview “one of the most prolific journalists”
As part of the visit, UEA Journalism students were given the opportunity to meet Myrie at Broadcast House (BCH), the University’s state-of-the-art city centre newsroom, for a student-led Q&A. The session, hosted by students Angus Coulson and Alyssa Gava, explored impartiality in reporting, diversity within the industry, and the realities of building a career in journalism.
Alyssa said: “Having the opportunity to interview one of the most prolific journalists was an inspiring opportunity. Getting to understand his career on a personal level was both extremely informative and beneficial, and a way to get insight into how to progress further in our careers and make an impact as a journalist.
“I learned so much about what the landscape of representation looks like in accordance to the BBC, the disparities in diversity and his thoughts on what can be done in the future. My one main take away would be to adopt his sheer passion for impartiality when storytelling, in his words: ‘no one cares what I think’.”
Angus said: “Co-hosting the Q&A with Clive Myrie was a brilliant experience and a real highlight of my time studying journalism at UEA. Speaking with someone who inspired me to pursue journalism in the first place made the experience even more meaningful.”
Image L-R: Barnie Choudhury and Clive Myrie in-conversation at the UEA evening event (credit: Tile Media)
After welcoming Clive behind the scenes and showcasing BCH’s facilities, third-year student Steven Whitear said: “I couldn't believe I was actually able to see him, meet him, talk to him and get his insight! It was such an amazing opportunity to show him around Broadcast House too.
“He asked lots of questions and loved the equipment. He said news days were a fantastic idea and was very impressed by the range of skills we are taught and the modules we have, including media law!”
Jamie Mann, a first-year student, said: “To have Clive Myrie visit Broadcast House was truly special. He is legend of the industry and many a time I’ve idolised his delivery of some of the most significant news stories in recent memory.
“Clive embodies due impartiality; a model which he articulated fluently as an ambassador for public service broadcasting. His attitude and work ethic is inspiring, having forged his craft over the airwaves at Bristol during the week, and London at the weekend. I have taken many things from Clive’s words on Wednesday, including a notion of saying ‘yes’, and getting stuck in.”
Barnie Choudhury, Lecturer in Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism at UEA, said: “Clive's visit went beyond our expectations. He gave of his time, experience and wisdom so generously, and our students won't forget meeting someone who inspired them.
“I've always thought that Clive's in a class of his own. I knew that the moment he and I walked into the BBC 40 years ago. With his being the lead presenter on The Ten, hosting Mastermind and his travel programmes, Clive's entered national treasure status. And our students will look back and say, ‘I met him and he's the reason I do what I do’.”
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