Desert Island Discs Lindsey Hilsum, journalist
Apr 27, 2025
Lindsey Hilsum, a multi-award-winning journalist and Channel 4's international editor, reflects on her 40-year career covering major global events. She discusses the emotional toll of reporting in conflict zones, the bonds formed with colleagues, and the impact of music on her experiences. Lindsey shares personal anecdotes from her upbringing, the challenges of balancing personal loss with professional duty, and the resilience required in high-risk journalism. Her connection to her chosen songs adds depth to her storytelling, making for a compelling narrative.
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Balancing War Reporting
- Lindsey Hilsum balances frontline war reporting with context and analysis to explain why conflicts happen.
- She believes showing only war's pity leads to despair; understanding causality engages viewers better.
Joni Mitchell and Youthful Freedom
- As a teenager Lindsey connected deeply with Joni Mitchell's music, capturing her youthful emotions.
- She chose "Carey" to reflect a carefree, happy spirit she sometimes wished to have more of.
Witnessing Rwanda Genocide
- Lindsey was the only English-speaking journalist in Kigali during Rwanda's genocide, witnessing horrors firsthand.
- She impersonated a Red Cross worker to access and report on the unfolding violence.