Former Woman’s Hour presenter and the first voice on BBC Radio 5 live when it launched in 1994, Jane will be casting her critical eye over the best, and worst, on television every week, replacing Alison Graham, who retired last week after 26 years on Radio Times.
On taking up her role, Jane says: “I think I know what’s going through your mind – who is this upstart daring to step into the generally warm but occasionally acerbic shoes of our good friend Alison Graham? I get it, I really do. I am a mere radio presenter who watches a fair bit of telly. Though I do have a Blue Peter badge, if that helps. Still, I’m an expert on nothing, except my own opinion. And even that’s debatable. I hereby reserve the right to be fairly inconsistent. I hope that’s all right with you.”
Radio Times Joint-Editor, Tom Loxley, adds: “We’re delighted to welcome a broadcaster of Jane’s stature to Radio Times. She brings a wealth of experience from a lifetime spent behind the mic, but it’s her views on television our readers will want to hear. She is a viewer who has a formidable appetite for television - and a lifelong love of it - to go with robust views as to what makes a television programme good or bad, irresistible or indifferent. But most importantly she is wonderful writer with warmth and wit who we know our readers will enjoy.”
Jane started her broadcasting career on Radio Wyvern before joining the BBC in 1988, she was the launch presenter on BBC Radio 5 live where she stayed for 13 years as presenter of various programmes, including 5 live Breakfast and 5 live Drive, with Peter Allen. In 2007 Jane joined BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour until she stepped down in December 2020. Since 2017, Jane has also presented the successful podcast Fortunately... with Fi and Jane, a frank look behind the scenes with broadcasters Jane and Fi with guests from radio, TV and podcasting sharing stories they probably shouldn't.
Jane’s first column for Radio Times is in the new issue on sale from Tuesday 29 June.
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