Tag Archives: no off switch

by | February 10, 2011 · 11:04 PM

What makes a journalist? The case of Andy Kershaw

Andy Kershaw in a series by Radio Three: Music Planet

A broadcaster by accident and a Radio One presenter, Andy Kershaw made a name for himself later reporting for Radio Four from the ‘Axis of Evil’ countries. And doing so very well. Is he a journalist or a disc jockey or a hybrid?Kershaw has just finished his autobiography No Off Switch. It is a well-written labour of love and recollection. I and the rest of a Coventry Conversations audience had a sneak preview. He held us spellbound for ninety minutes.

 Good journalists are born. Kershaw wanted to be one from the age of nine in Rochdale, Lancashire. At 18, he bunked off school to go to the Isle of Man TT as a ‘witness to history’ – Mike Hailwood returning after injury. The first of many such days witnessing history. Writes John Mair…

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by | January 29, 2011 · 4:45 PM

The Man with “No off Switch”

Andy Kershaw took Coventry Conversation by storm on 27th January, entertaining the audience with his enthralling life stories. The hour was filled with tales of Radio 1, the Rwandan genocide and his time spent in prison.

Kershaw opened the conversation by reliving his time as Events Secretary at Leeds University. This was sparked by John Mair’s question of what Andy’s proudest professional moment was. Kershaw’s reply was: “The Clash”, his favourite band at the time. He further explained, with the Student Union having a capacity of 2200, he was able to attract the world’s biggest bands and would regularly sell them out. ‘The Clash’ was able to play his last event in charge allowing him to go out with a bang. Writes Jack McCaughtrie…

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by | · 4:43 PM

Andy Kershaw, “Maracas from Caracas”

Andy Kershaw stopped by Coventry University to give a special 15-minute preview of his upcoming autobiography, “No Off Switch” out this July.

It is easy to see how Kershaw has done so well in his career. It has been full of surprises and often thrived due to him being in the right place at the right time. He confesses: “I’m the luckiest man I’ve ever met.”

Kershaw chose to study politics at Leeds University, mainly due to it hosting the biggest music concerts in the country, but also as he hoped dabble in journalism. In his second year he was given the opportunity to work as Entertainment Secretary at the many concerts that frequented Leeds, which he did for two and a half years. Subsequently, he failed his politics degree.

Enthusiastic recounts of his past experiences prove how grateful he is for the life he leads. It also displays his continuing passion for journalism and its surprising twists and turns that have so far, formed a very entertaining career. Writes Jennifer Horsman…

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by | January 25, 2011 · 4:00 PM

Get a sneak preview of Andy Kershaw’s ‘No Off Switch’

Andy Kershaw.

The Coventry Conversation this Thursday will feature Andy Kershaw, broadcaster and writer, in ETG34 (Ellen Terry Building) at 1.00pm.

Andy was spotted in 1984 by a producer as a potential new presenter. He began his career in September that year with a report for Whistle Test from the Monsters of Rock heavy metal festival. In 1985, he was invited to present his own show by BBC Radio 1. After 15 years at Radio 1, he was replaced and found his new home at Radio 3. As a journalists Andy plays foreing correspondent to BBC Radio news and occassionally finds himself making travel documentaries for Channel 4.  Writes Natasha De Silva…

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