BBC News presenter Clive Myrie has revealed that certain harrowing images from his decades-long career as a journalist continue to 'live with him,' despite his ability to compartmentalize his professional and personal life. The veteran broadcaster, who has reported from more than 90 countries, including conflict zones in Ukraine, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq, admitted that some of the most disturbing stories he has covered remain difficult to forget.
Compartmentalizing a Career of Trauma
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."
The 61-year-old journalist began his BBC career as a trainee local radio reporter at BBC Radio Bristol, later moving to regional television programme Points West before becoming a foreign correspondent. His assignments have included some of the most dangerous postings, including one in Iraq where he wrote a 'goodbye' letter to his family in case he was killed.
Creating a Balanced Life Outside the Newsroom
Myrie emphasised that maintaining a healthy balance away from work has become increasingly important. He now focuses on friendships and cultural pursuits rather than dwelling on politics and current affairs in his spare time. 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."
Limiting News Consumption Despite Presenting Major Programmes
Despite presenting some of the BBC's biggest current affairs programmes, Myrie revealed that he 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 for Retirement
Despite having spent decades on screen, Myrie has no plans to retire as long as 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."
