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40 Facts About Clive Myrie

Justina Horning

Written by Justina Horning

Published: 28 Sep 2024

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Source: Thetimes.com

Who is Clive Myrie? Clive Myrie is a celebrated British journalist with Jamaican roots, known for his extensive career at the BBC. Born on August 25, 1964, in Farnworth, Lancashire, Myrie's journey from a local radio reporter to a respected foreign correspondent and news anchor is nothing short of inspiring. With a law degree from the University of Sussex, he joined the BBC in 1987 and has since reported from over 80 countries, covering major conflicts and political events. Myrie's accolades include multiple journalism awards and honorary degrees. Beyond news, he hosts the quiz show Mastermind and enjoys jazz music and travel.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clive Myrie, a renowned BBC journalist, has reported from over 80 countries, covering conflicts and politics. His personal life reflects a love for travel and diverse interests, from jazz to hosting TV shows.
  • Despite facing challenges like racist abuse, Clive Myrie's career has been marked by numerous awards and accolades, including prestigious journalism awards and honorary degrees. His personal insights offer a glimpse into his successful marriage and unique career journey.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Education
02Career with the BBC
03Awards and Recognition
04Personal Life
05Hosting and Presenting
06Challenges and Triumphs
07Interests and Hobbies
08Publications
09Speaking Engagements
10Honors and Degrees
11Miscellaneous Facts
12Personal Insights
13Achievements and Contributions
14Clive Myrie: A Remarkable Career

40 Facts About Clive Myrie

Clive Myrie, a name synonymous with British journalism, has had an illustrious career spanning decades. From his early days to his current role as a BBC anchor, his journey is filled with fascinating details. Let's dive into 40 key facts about this remarkable journalist.

Early Life and Education

Clive Myrie's roots and academic background played a significant role in shaping his career.

  1. Birth and Early Life: Born on August 25, 1964, in Farnworth, near Bolton, Lancashire, England, Myrie's early years were influenced by his Jamaican heritage.
  2. Family Background: His father, Norris, worked in a factory making car batteries and carpets, while his mother was a seamstress for Mary Quant. They divorced, and his father returned to Jamaica after retirement.
  3. Education: Myrie attended Hayward Grammar School in Bolton, followed by Bolton Sixth Form College for his A-levels. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Sussex in 1985.

Career with the BBC

Myrie's journey with the BBC began in the late '80s and has seen him take on various roles.

  1. Joining the BBC: He started as a trainee local radio reporter in 1987, with his first assignment at Radio Bristol.
  2. Foreign Correspondent: By 1996, Myrie became a full-time foreign correspondent, first posted to Japan.
  3. Global Reporting: He has reported from over 80 countries, covering conflicts in Kosovo, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
  4. US Politics Coverage: Myrie has a keen interest in US politics, covering the administrations of Clinton, Bush, and Obama.

Awards and Recognition

Myrie's work has not gone unnoticed, earning him numerous accolades.

  1. RTS Television Journalism Awards: In 2021, he was named Television Journalist of the Year and Network Presenter of the Year.
  2. Honorary Degrees: He has received honorary degrees from Staffordshire University (2016), the University of Sussex (2019), and the University of Bolton (2022).
  3. Bayeux-Calvados Award: Myrie was awarded for his reporting of ethnic violence on the island of Borneo.
  4. Peabody Awards: He received this prestigious award for his coverage of the Bangladesh Rohingya crisis.

Personal Life

Beyond his professional achievements, Myrie's personal life offers a glimpse into his character.

  1. Marriage: Myrie is married to Catherine Myrie, an upholsterer and furniture restorer. They met at a book launch in 1992.
  2. Family Ties: His nephew, Jorden Myrie, is an actor who appeared in the BBC One drama Sherwood in 2024.
  3. Decision Not to Have Children: The couple decided against having children due to their love for traveling.

Hosting and Presenting

Myrie has taken on various roles beyond traditional journalism.

  1. Mastermind Host: Since August 2021, he has hosted Mastermind and Celebrity Mastermind.
  2. BBC News Channel: Myrie anchors the BBC News Channel and presents news bulletins on BBC One.
  3. Documentary Work: He has presented documentaries like Obama: His Story (2009) and The Crown Jewels (2022).

Challenges and Triumphs

Myrie's career has not been without its challenges.

  1. Racist Abuse: He has faced racist abuse, including death threats. In 2019, Ian Hargreaves was jailed for sending electronic death threats to Myrie.
  2. Reporting from Conflict Zones: Myrie has reported from some of the most dangerous places, including being embedded with the 40 Commando Royal Marines during the Iraq War.

Interests and Hobbies

Myrie is not just about news; he has diverse interests.

  1. Jazz Enthusiast: He discovered jazz at university and considers it his favorite music genre.
  2. Manchester City F.C. Supporter: Myrie is a dedicated fan of Manchester City F.C.
  3. Travel Shows: He has fronted travel shows like Clive Myrie’s Italian Road Trip.

Publications

Myrie has also ventured into writing.

  1. Memoir: His memoir, Everything is Everything: A Memoir of Love, Hate & Hope, was published in September 2023.
  2. Biography: He independently published Clive Myrie: The Biography in July 2023.

Speaking Engagements

Myrie is a sought-after speaker on various topics.

  1. Corporate Work: He regularly gives interviews and lectures on finance, politics, sport, music, current affairs, crime, and diversity.
  2. Speaking Topics: His topics include inclusion and diversity in the media, Brexit, politics, fake news, and war reporting.

Honors and Degrees

Myrie's contributions have been recognized by several institutions.

  1. Staffordshire University Honorary Degree: He received an honorary doctorate from Staffordshire University in 2016.
  2. Edge Hill University Honorary Degree: In July 2023, he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts (HonDA) from Edge Hill University.

Miscellaneous Facts

A few more interesting tidbits about Myrie.

  1. BBC Proms Host: He hosted events for the BBC Proms in 2021.
  2. Desert Island Discs: In June 2024, he was a guest on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs.
  3. Inheritance Tracks: On Saturday Live in February 2022, his Inheritance Tracks were "Welcome to My World" by Jim Reeves and "So What" by Miles Davis.
  4. BBC Coverage of General Election: In 2024, Myrie will be part of the BBC’s coverage of the General Election.
  5. BBC Newswatch Profile: He has a profile on BBC Newswatch, highlighting his extensive career.

Personal Insights

Myrie's personal life offers some unique insights.

  1. Family Celebrations: Myrie and his wife celebrate their anniversary annually and holiday in Italy every year.
  2. Secret to Marriage: He believes the secret to their long marriage is having separate interests and spaces, including separate bathrooms.
  3. Decision Not to Have Children: They decided against having children due to their love for traveling.

Achievements and Contributions

Myrie's career is marked by numerous achievements.

  1. Screen Nations Journalism Awards: He won these awards in 2003 and 2004.
  2. MVSA Journalism Awards: He received these awards in 2011 and 2017.
  3. Golden Nymph Journalism Award: Myrie won this award in 2003 for his outstanding foreign coverage.
  4. RTS Award for Best Foreign Coverage: He received this award in 2018.

Clive Myrie: A Remarkable Career

Clive Myrie's journey in journalism is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days in Bolton to becoming a respected BBC journalist, he's covered some of the world's most significant events. His work as a foreign correspondent has taken him to over 80 countries, reporting from conflict zones and political hotspots. Myrie's dedication to his craft has earned him numerous awards, including the RTS Television Journalist of the Year.

Beyond journalism, Myrie's versatility shines through his roles as the host of Mastermind and his appearances on various panel shows. His personal life, marked by a long and happy marriage, adds depth to his story. Myrie's passion for jazz, travel, and Manchester City F.C. shows he's a man of many interests.

Clive Myrie's legacy is one of integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to storytelling. His contributions to journalism and society will be remembered for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Clive Myrie?
Clive Myrie's a well-known journalist and broadcaster from Britain. He's been on our screens for years, covering big stories from all over the globe. Whether he's anchoring the news or reporting from a far-off land, Clive's got a knack for making complex stories easy to understand.
What makes Clive Myrie stand out in his field?
What really sets Clive apart is his versatility and depth of experience. He's not just a news anchor; he's reported from war zones, covered royal weddings, and even hosted quiz shows. His ability to adapt to different roles while maintaining his credibility is truly impressive.
Has Clive Myrie won any awards for his work?
Yep, Clive's trophy cabinet's got a few shiny awards. He's been recognized for his outstanding contribution to journalism, including prestigious accolades for his reporting and presenting. These awards highlight his skill, dedication, and the impact of his work.
What kind of stories has Clive Myrie covered?
Clive's covered a wide range of stories, from conflicts in the Middle East to natural disasters and major political events. He's got a talent for bringing human stories into the spotlight, making sure we don't just understand the facts, but also the people behind them.
How did Clive Myrie get started in journalism?
Clive kicked off his career in journalism right after university. He started at the bottom, working his way up through local news before making it to the national stage. His journey's a testament to his hard work, passion for storytelling, and never-give-up attitude.
Can viewers see Clive Myrie on any particular programs?
Viewers can catch Clive on a variety of BBC programs. He's often seen anchoring the BBC News at Six and Ten, and he's also the host of the iconic quiz show, Mastermind. No matter where he appears, Clive's sure to deliver with his trademark professionalism and charm.
What can aspiring journalists learn from Clive Myrie's career?
Aspiring journalists can learn a lot from Clive's career. His journey shows the importance of versatility, hard work, and the ability to tell stories that resonate with people. Clive's success proves that with dedication and passion, it's possible to reach the top of the journalism world.

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