Andy Kershaw, the broadcaster who brought world music to a mainstream audience on BBC Radio 1 and reported on conflicts across the globe, has died aged 66 after undergoing treatment for cancer.
Kershaw began his national broadcasting career on television, joining the presenting team of Whistle Test in 1984, and later co-hosting the Wembley Live Aid concert in 1985. He then moved to Radio 1, where his weekly show featured world music, folk and blues, and he became known for his adventurous programming. He shared an office with John Peel and producer John Walters, but resisted being seen as Peel's successor.
Throughout his 15 years at Radio 1, Kershaw travelled extensively to make music specials and political reports for other BBC stations, including Radio 4 and Radio 3. He reported from Rwanda during the genocide, from Angola and Sierra Leone during civil wars, and from Haiti, North Korea and Turkmenistan. He presented World Routes on Radio 3 from 2000 to 2006.
After being dropped by Radio 1 in 2000, he moved to Radio 3 for a weekly show and later returned to co-present Music Planet with Lucy Duran. His career suffered a setback after a break-up in 2006, when he breached a restraining order and was jailed, spending time homeless before eventually returning to broadcasting.
