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NEWS VETERAN ANNA FORD RETIRES FROM TV

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27 APRIL 2006

British television has bid farewell to one of its most trusted figures after veteran newsreader Anna Ford delivered her last bulletin. The 62-year-old, who has been a familiar face to UK TV fans for over 30 years, made her final appearance when she read the BBC One O'Clock News on Thursday.

The mum-of-two, who is well-known for her outspoken political views and her dedication to human rights causes, says she is looking forward to enjoying herself away from the pressure of the newsroom. "I think you have to live for yourself a bit," she said. "My children are grown up and I want to do some things for me. Is that selfish?"

Anna made her debut as a journalist for Granada TV back in 1974, before moving on to host the popular science programme Tomorrow's World. Her career also took in stints with independent news broadcaster ITN, but it was with Britain's national broadcaster, the BBC, that she would become a household name.

In keeping with her reputation for always speaking her mind, regardless of whether her views might make for uncomfortable listening, she used her retirement to voice her concern over ageism in today's youth-obsessed television industry. "I don't think the people you see on our screens reflect the people out there," she said. "And I'm sure the public would like that – people with character, people with lines on their faces, people who have had experiences in life. You see them in America, but it's not reflected here."