Clive Myrie, the veteran BBC journalist, has candidly described the most harrowing images from his decades-long career, admitting that some moments from reporting in Ukraine and other conflict zones remain with him despite his ability to compartmentalize.
Speaking to The i Paper, Myrie said: "I've got better at compartmentalising as I've got older. Some things live with you, obviously. There is no question that some of the images I saw reporting from Ukraine, or some of the more disturbing stories I've had to read on the news, stay with you. But, on the whole, I can shut that out and switch off."
Finding Balance Beyond the Newsroom
The 61-year-old broadcaster explained that maintaining a healthy work-life balance has become increasingly important as his career progressed. Rather than dwelling on politics and current affairs when off duty, he now prioritises spending time with friends and enjoying cultural pursuits.
He said: "I want my life to be about the good, interesting stuff. I don't particularly want to be thinking about Donald Trump or Keir Starmer on my deathbed. I want to be thinking about art or music or something uplifting. I try to live a rounded life; I make time to go to galleries and concerts. I have lunches with friends. I make sure that's part of who I am, and part of my routine, because that is what helps keep me going."
A Career Covering Global Conflicts
Myrie joined the BBC as a trainee local radio reporter, first working for BBC Radio Bristol before moving to local television's Points West and BBC television and radio news. He later became a BBC foreign correspondent and has reported from more than 90 countries. His assignments have included the wars in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, including an assignment in Iraq so dangerous he wrote a "goodbye" letter to his family in case he died.
Despite fronting some of the BBC's biggest current affairs coverage, Myrie deliberately limits how much news he consumes outside of work. He said: "I'll listen to the Today programme headlines at 6am. Then, unless there is something I'm fascinated by, I'll switch over to Radio 3 and not look at the news again all day. So I have no idea what's going on in the world at that moment - and I don't really care, because I'm going to find out about it later."
No Plans to Retire
Despite spending decades on screen, Myrie said he has no plans to retire while he continues to enjoy the role. He said: "As long as the BBC still wants me - or any broadcaster still wants me - and I'm still able to do it, I'll keep going. Retirement isn't on the cards any time soon. I still enjoy it, even in the tough times. I still get a buzz from being in a place of jeopardy. Maybe not as much as I used to, but there is still an excitement there."
