Former BBC Woman’s Hour presenter Jenni Murray dies aged 75 | Jenni Murray
Former BBC Radio 4 Women’s Hour presenter Jenni Murray has died aged 75.
Murray, who joined the program in 1987 and left in 2020, built a reputation as a formidable presenter, interviewing prominent female figures such as Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton.
In 2006, she announced live that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Born in Barnsley, Murray began his broadcasting career at BBC Radio Bristol in 1973 and later worked as a reporter and presenter on BBC television’s South Today programme. He joined Newsnight in 1983 before moving to Radio 4 as a presenter on the Today programme. In 1987 she became a regular presenter of Woman’s Hour and in 2011 she was awarded the woman’s title for her contribution to broadcasting.
Murray often shared his own life experience with fans. When she announced at the end of Woman’s Hour in 2006 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, the response was overwhelming, with thousands of goodwill messages pouring in on the BBC.
When she returned to the show after treatment, she told listeners that the most emotionally distressing moment was losing her hair, and then used this to explore the centrality of hair to definitions of femininity.
BBC director general Tim Davie said Murray was a “broadcast icon”, adding: “This is extremely sad news and our thoughts are with all of Dame Jenni’s family and friends.”
“During her groundbreaking three decades on Woman’s Hour, Jenni created a safe space for her audiences with her warmth, intelligence, and courage. We will all miss her dearly. Her legacy lives on in the countless conversations she started, the many issues she championed, and the lives she touched.”
Mohit Bakaya, controller of BBC Radio 4 and director of BBC speech audio, said: “Jenni Murray was a formidable voice in British broadcasting, warm, fearless and loved by listeners.
“During her decades on Women’s Hour, she helped shape the national conversation with her wit, rigor and remarkable ability to connect with audiences. Jenni leaves an indelible legacy on generations of listeners. We are deeply grateful for her extraordinary contribution to Radio 4 and will miss her greatly.”
