Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Question Time: Kate Silverton, Presenter

Interview,Sophie Morris
Sunday 08 March 2009 21:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Work: Co-presents 'BBC Breakfast' with Bill Turnbull and has been standing in for Gabby Logan on her Sunday morning show on Radio 5 Live

Life : 38, in a relationship, lives in central London

Balance: Swimming, cycling, Pilates and collecting unusual art

What makes presenting BBC Breakfast worth the early mornings?

The team spirit. When I arrive, most of the crew are already there; and Bill Turnbull is so quirky and sweet.

What else are you working on?

I have been mentoring some children for The Speaker, a BBC programme designed to make them more confident about speaking in public.

What inspired you to become a journalist?

The film Under Fire, about the civil war in Nicaragua in the late 1970s.

Any jobs you'd rather forget about?

None, really. I've done everything from waitressing, working at Marks & Spencer, cleaning loos and building bridges, schools and mud huts in Africa. It's the worst and most horrendous experiences that leave you with the funniest memories.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

Reporting from Iraq. I was sent out to cover the troops over the Christmas period but I returned with an exclusive story that kick-started the debate about accommodation conditions. I was also the only television journalist there on Christmas Day when Jamiat prison was blown up.

And what has been the trickiest job to pull off?

Appearing to be alive, awake and well at 6am each morning...

Whom in the industry would you most like to work with?

My friends Richard Butler, a CBS 60 Minutes producer and photojournalist, and Jim Foster, a cameraman, producer and director with a background in Special Forces. Richard was kidnapped in Iraq last year and I broke the news he had been released on air. It was a tremendous feeling to know that he was OK.

What are your desert island media?

The Independent, Radio 4 or possibly the World Service. Or 5 Live. National Geographic and CSI.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in