BBC icon Kirsty Wark shares huge mistake she never made on Newsnight
Veteran broadcaster Kirsty Wark is set to receive the highest BAFTA honour, a reflection of her exemplary career.
At 70, the Scottish television staple is being recognised with a BAFTA Fellowship at the upcoming Television Awards next month.
Having spent three decades at the forefront of BBC's Newsnight, Kirsty became known for her incisive questioning of politicians and notable figures.
"Television has been my home for 40 years... I continue to learn every day from people with awe-inspiring skills who have become treasured colleagues and dear friends," she expressed in a heartfelt statement.
Stepping down from Newsnight last July, Kirsty has moved on to present Radio 4's Front Row editions from Scotland.
(Image: 2024 BBC)
She recently spoke to Metro about the unexpected but esteemed BAFTA recognition, calling it a "huge surprise" and a "great honour".
"I'd be surprised if this was an award you can get before you're 50. I'm way over that now," she said.
"I'm still looking forward in my career, but I think this is one for looking back at the different things I've done and the way I've learned and the people I've worked with."
While discussing her legendary interview style, Kirsty opened up about a huge mistake that she's managed to avoid throughout her career, reports the Daily Record.
"My favourite interviews are when you allow people the dignity to say their points of view and you're not being intrusive," she said.
(Image: BBC)
"The thing I hate most about presenters is when they grandstand. In tricky situations, I want to bring a compassion and a rigour. My role is to help people tell their stories."
Speaking on the future of the BBC, Kirsty expressed her hopes of having a female director general, but isn't calling for the immediate departure of the current head, Tim Davie.
"I'm not saying, 'Tim, go now,' but I think it's time for a woman," she said
"The BBC has so many other ways it's on the front foot - technology, iPlayer, BBC audio and other things - and I would really love to see a woman take hold of that."
Newsnight is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
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