Dame Jenni Murray, the presenter of Woman's Hour for over three decades has died at the age of 75. The star fronted the BBC Radio 4 show between 1987 and 2020, interviewing the likes of Jack Nicholson, Hillary Clinton and Margaret Thatcher.
The news was reported by the BBC, with their outgoing director-general, Tim Davie, calling the late broadcaster an "icon". In a tribute to Dame Jenni, he said: "This is incredibly sad news, and our thoughts are with all of Dame Jenni's family and friends. Dame Jenni was, simply put, a broadcasting icon.
"Throughout her three groundbreaking decades on Woman's Hour, Jenni created a safe space for her audience thanks to her warmth, intelligence and courage. We shall all miss her terribly. Her legacy endures in the countless conversations she started, the many issues she championed and the lives she touched."
Jenni started in the industry in 1973, appearing on a local radio station in Bristol before moving to the BBC's South Today. She later worked on Newsnight and the Today Show before she replaced the outgoing Sue MacGregor as the lead presenter on Woman's Hour.
She would continue to work on the show for over three decades, with some of her notable moments including confronting Margaret Thatcher over her childcare policies and a fiery exchange with Conservative MP Edwina Currie about her affair with Prime Minister John Major.
Jenni was open with those who tuned in and told listeners back in 2006 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, she explained that her "prognosis is excellent", and she returned to the show just months after sharing her news.
Tributes
Tributes have been pouring in for the late presenter. Mark Urban, who used to be Newsnight's diplomatic editor, posted on X: "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."
Mohit Bakaya, the controller of BBC Radio 4 and director of BBC Speech Audio said: "Jenni Murray was a formidable voice in British broadcasting who was warm, fearless and beloved by listeners.
© Getty Images"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."
Novelist Joan Smith added: "This is so sad. I always enjoyed talking to Jenni. A huge loss to @BBCWomansHour."
