BBC Newsnight legend Kirsty Walk shares biggest mistake she's avoided during long career
Newsnight icon Kirsty Wark has reflected on her long-spanning career ahead of receiving her BAFTA accolade. The 70-year-old presenter and journalist will be awarded the BAFTA Fellowship at this year's Television Awards next month. The Scottish star has been honoured due to her "trailblazing" career over the years, following three decades at the helm of Newsnight, where she held several politicians and public figures to account. "Television has been my home for 40 years... I continue to learn every day from people with awe-inspiring skills who have become treasured colleagues and dear friends," Kirsty said in a statement. The host stepped down from her role at the BBC Two show last July, and has since began presenting editions of Radio 4's Front Row from Scotland. Speaking to Metro , Kirsty explained that it was a "huge surprise" and a "great honour" to receive the prestigious BAFTA award. "I'd be surprised if this was an award you can get before you're 50. I'm way over that now," she said. "I'm still looking forward in my career, but I think this is one for looking back at the different things I've done and the way I've learned and the people I've worked with." While discussing her legendary interview style, Kirsty opened up about a huge mistake that she's managed to avoid throughout her career. "My favourite interviews are when you allow people the dignity to say their points of view and you're not being intrusive," she said. "The thing I hate most about presenters is when they grandstand. In tricky situations, I want to bring a compassion and a rigour. My role is to help people tell their stories." As she looked to the future of the BBC, Kirsty shared her hope for a woman to take over as director general of the corporation - though she isn't urging Tim Davie to step down right away. "I'm not saying, 'Tim, go now,' but I think it's time for a woman," she confirmed. "The BBC has so many other ways it's on the front foot - technology, iPlayer, BBC audio and other things - and I would really love to see a woman take hold of that." Newsnight is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
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