Award-winning journalist Clive Myrie discusses his life, career and broadcasting to the nation in wide-ranging Big Read talk at Kingston University

Posted Thursday 19 December 2024

Clive Myrie was interviewed by Professor Alison Baverstock at the event to mark the Big Read.

Internationally renowned journalist Clive Myrie visited Kingston University's award-winning Town House for a wide-ranging interview based around his memoir Everything is Everything which was this year's Kingston University Big Read. The broadcaster touched on his childhood, career and international politics in front of a packed auditorium of students, staff and members of the local community.

The News at Ten anchor's visit marked the selection of his autobiography, Everything is Everything, as this year's Kingston University Big Read. The award-winning and inclusive reading initiative, now in its tenth year, is designed to help students feel welcome before settling into university life, with all incoming students receiving a copy prior to their arrival at university.

Speaking after the event, which included a Q&A, Myrie said he was proud to have been chosen as the Big Read book. "It is an incredible initiative and a wonderful way to bring people together – to have them coalesce around my book is a privilege," he said.

The memoir reflects on Myrie's life, beginning as a Bolton teenager with a paper round, reading the newspapers he delivered from cover to cover as he dreamed of becoming a journalist. Myrie highlights how his family history has influenced his world view, introducing us to his Windrush generation parents, while recounting memorable experiences of reporting from more than 80 countries, including an in-combat experience in Iraq, a leper colony in Japan, the street life of Singapore and the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

At the event, he spoke of his pride in his roots, but his determination not to be defined by his background in dealing with the challenges of race and class in order to succeed at the highest level. "It was really important for me to tell my story, I was surprised at how many people didn't know about the Windrush generation and the challenges they faced," he said. "The development of this country from the end of the second world war into the multicultural country of 2024 is a fascinating journey – this was an opportunity to tell that story through my own life and work."

Myrie discussed his writing process and how it helped him understand his parents better; themes of identity and resilience were developed through his assignments throughout a wide range of countries in which he reported. He considered the changes in his reporting style and dedication to sharing stories that go beyond the headline to reveal the side stories which are just as important, and that are sometimes overlooked.

The Big Read launched in 2015 to help students adapt to university life and provide them with a common experience through which they could connect. Each year, incoming students receive a free copy of the special edition Kingston University Big Read. Books are also available to students and staff, and the wider local community. In 2017 the scheme received the Times Higher Education Award for Widening Participation/Outreach Initiative of the Year.

Director of the Kingston University Big Read, Professor Alison Baverstock emphasised the role of the scheme in assisting with a smooth transition for students coming to university, ensuring they feel welcome, accepted and safe on arrival. "It provides a common ground for those already at the University and students starting their university journey," she said.

"We were proud to celebrate the Big Read's tenth anniversary this year and thank Clive for sharing his experiences and learnings throughout his professional and personal life with us here at Kingston," She said, "The talk was incredibly insightful including a very interesting underpinning of world politics. When he spoke about what he felt made for a successful life, and his general positivity, I found it very uplifting and inspiring – his visit encapsulated and espoused the aims and ambitions of the Big Read initiative."