Andy Kershaw, the broadcaster who brought world music to a mainstream audience on BBC Radio 1 and reported from conflict zones around the globe, has died at the age of 66 after undergoing treatment for spinal cancer.
Kershaw began his national broadcasting career on television, joining the presenting team of BBC Two's Whistle Test in 1984 alongside Mark Ellen and David Hepworth. The following year, he was part of the presenting lineup for the Wembley Live Aid concert. He soon moved to Radio 1, where he hosted a weekly evening show, sharing an office with John Peel and producer John Walters.
Known for his passion for world music, Kershaw travelled extensively to produce music specials and documentaries. He reported for Radio 4's Today programme on the Rwandan genocide and civil wars in Angola and Sierra Leone, and made programmes for five BBC national radio stations. On Radio 3, he co-presented World Routes and later hosted a weekly world music show.
After being dropped by Radio 1 in 2000, Kershaw found a new home at Radio 3, becoming the only DJ to successfully transition between the two stations. His documentaries included Songs of the Hermit Kingdom in North Korea and Iran – Axis of Evil, featuring underground heavy metal.
Kershaw's career was affected by personal difficulties following a relationship breakdown in 2006. He was jailed multiple times for breaching a restraining order and spent time homeless. He later returned to Radio 3 for the magazine show Music Planet.
