Iconic Broadcaster Annie Nightingale Dies

As one of our most high-profile alumnae she, is of course, celebrated on our Alumnae Wall of photos in the Gateway. Over the years, she remained interested and engaged with LEH news and we made sure to keep in touch.

She contacted us just a few months ago, graciously thanking us for recent cards and correspondence, and agreeing to a profile in the New Year for the alumnae magazine. “Of course, I would be delighted to do an interview. I would love to meet one or more of the current students. So much I would like to ask THEM! About life at LEH nowadays.” Such a shame that we couldn’t make that happen.

Annie became Radio One’s first female presenter, joining the station in 1970, and going on to become its longest-serving host. Already an MBE, she was awarded a CBE for Services to Radio Broadcasting in 2020.

She was known for her passion for a wide range of music, championing everything from prog rock and punk to acid house and grime.

She remained on air until late last year with Annie Nightingale Presents and was also known for co-hosting BBC Two music show The Old Grey Whistle Test.

Tributes flooded in when the news of her death broke on 11th January. Fellow DJ Annie Mac led the way, saying Annie was "a trailblazer, spirited, adventurous, fearless, hilarious, smart, and so good at her job".

Writing on Instagram, she added: "This is the woman who changed the face and sound of British TV and radio broadcasting forever.”

In an interview last summer, Annie said: “Every week, in my job, is a new adventure. People don't understand. Most people get bored with pop music when they're a certain age. I go on being interested in where it's going, the twists and turns."

A statement from her family said: "Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many. Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally.

"Never underestimate the role model she became. Breaking down doors by refusing to bow down to sexual prejudice and male fear gave encouragement to generations of young women who, like Annie, only wanted to tell you about an amazing tune they had just heard.

"Watching Annie do this on television in the 1970s, most famously as a presenter on the BBC music show The Old Grey Whistle Test or hearing her play the latest breakbeat techno on Radio One is testimony to someone who never stopped believing in the magic of rock 'n' roll."

They added that a celebration of her life would take place at a memorial service in the spring.