O N A I N T E RV I E W
A L A S TA I R L E I T H E A D
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he moment that Alastair’s face appeared, a smile was compulsory, since it’s impossible not to grin when you are being beamed at. We were immediately at ease knowing that this was going to be an interview that we would enjoy. Nevertheless, we approached the first question with butterflies in our stomachs, for neither of us had been face to face with a man of such public acclaim. We gathered some courage and asked our first question: ‘We understand that you are an ON, do you have any memories of RGS that you would like to share with us?’ After a thoughtful pause, he responded euphorically that he remembered cross country on the Town Moor (in ice cold weather!) and writing for NOVO. Speaking of journalism, we enquired as to whether the NOVO was where the idea regarding his future career really sparked; he replied with a glint in his eye that he supposed that the NOVO did really bring his idea to life. At the age of 14, he worked for the Evening Chronicle as a ‘computer boy’, which meant he reviewed games. So, what was Alastair’s favourite
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On 24 February 2020, BBC Journalist Alastair Leithead (80-90) was interviewed in California, over Skype, by RGS Junior School student reporters Bobbie D and Alfie D in Newcastle. thing to do as a child? Spontaneously, he replied that he quite liked fencing and rugby, happily playing for Northern Rugby Club. Delighted that the first few questions had gone down nicely, we explored further why he wanted to be a journalist. After hearing this, he grinned at us and replied as fast as a bullet that he wanted to go further in journalism, and after a short stint of work experience at the Chronicle, he was inspired. He had always loved finding and writing stories. His grandfather was in the newspaper
circulation industry – selling them rather than writing them. Moving quickly, he managed to secure a Geography degree at Manchester University and then went back to the Chronicle as a trainee. He started off writing the listings and then reporting more significant events. But what was the most shocking thing he reported for the newspaper? He listened intently to our question and then his face grew solemn and we saw the other side to Alastair Leithead. The twinkle in his eye disappeared and he responded that the Dunblane shootings was the most atrocious event. Knowing that it was so close to Alastair’s home was horrific. He couldn’t imagine anyone being so evil, as to attempt to kill people. We really felt for the casualties and their families. It just goes to show, though, how important local journalism is. Without it, people wouldn’t know the hardships some fellow beings have to go through. We wondered how, from reporting for the Chronicle, Alastair then became a BBC News war correspondent. He replied, excited to inspire us that his first steps were moving to a local radio station (which was based in Sunderland) and there he learned different skills about editing and then moved to Look North where he got used to being on the screen. After that, he moved down to London and produced the news (for three and a half years), however, he wanted to tell the story himself, but couldn’t get a job, so he decided to take a year off and move to South Africa. ‘Surely if you were away for such a long-time reporting, you must have missed your family?’ we questioned. He thought for a few seconds and then told us sincerely that of course he missed his parents – they stayed in Winlaton – but he knew they were very proud of him and his reporting. He presented one story whilst being with the British troops who were attacked by the Taliban.
