Veteran BBC Presenter Bids Adieu: After nearly 40 years, Louise Priest departs due to the early morning toll, leaving behind a rich broadcasting legacy.
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Louise Priest, a well-known face on BBC Look East, has announced her departure from the BBC after nearly four decades on the air. The 62-year-old journalist cited the toll of early morning starts on her personal life as the main reason for her decision to leave. After dedicating almost 40 years to the broadcasting world, Louise felt that the time had come to embark on a new chapter.
A Choice Shaped by Early Mornings
“I have had the privilege of holding various roles at the BBC, and the thought of leaving never crossed my mind until now. After almost four decades, I felt it was the right moment,” Louise shared with the BBC. She expressed that the early 4 am starts had taken a toll on her family life, leading her to this significant decision. She admitted to mixed emotions, saying, “While I believe I have made the correct choice to move on, I also feel a sense of apprehension about what lies beyond the BBC.”
A Legacy of Dedication and Change
Hailing from Loughborough, Leicestershire, Louise Priest joined the BBC in September 1983. She initially started her journey at BBC Radio Guernsey and later transitioned to BBC Radio Norfolk when she was 23. Through the years, she witnessed significant changes in the broadcasting landscape, from how newsrooms were run to technological advancements and the rise of the digital era. Her career at the BBC included stints as a radio and TV presenter.
Juggling Career and Family
In 1987, Louise began her tenure as a presenter on BBC Look East, which she continued for three years before taking a break to raise her two children, Clark and Grace. After relocating to Essex for two years due to her husband’s job, she remained connected to the broadcaster. Returning to Norfolk in 1993, she hosted BBC Radio Norfolk’s breakfast show for six years. Following that, she spent 18 months hosting the mid-morning show before returning to BBC Look East as a program planner and presenter.
Evolution of Broadcasting
Reflecting on the early years of her career, Louise reminisced, “Substantial differences in terms of equipment marked the beginning of my journey. I recall lugging around a bulky ‘mobile’ phone during events like the Royal Norfolk Show in the 1980s. Additionally, radio recording equipment was quite cumbersome ā today, it is all seamlessly done on a smartphone.”
Looking Ahead
While Louise Priest’s plans remain fluid, she mentioned a potential interest in writing a book. “I am not quite ready to take it easy. Maybe I should consider writing a book?” she pondered. Her departure was met with heartfelt sentiments from her colleagues and viewers.
A Fond Farewell
Robert Thompson, the BBC’s senior head of content production for the East and London, lauded Louise’s contributions: “Louise Priest is a true BBC East icon, having left her mark across numerous radio and TV programs in the region. Her presence on BBC Breakfast has been invaluable to viewers, and we, along with our audience, will miss her greatly. Our collective gratitude goes out to her.”
As Louise Priest takes her leave from the BBC after an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades, her legacy of dedication and transformation in the broadcasting industry will be remembered fondly.
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