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Episode details

Radio 4,11 Sep 2026,28 mins

Gloria Steinem: The journalist and activist who rewrote the rules for women

Last Word

Available for over a year

The pioneering feminist leader, Gloria Steinem, moved the dial on critical issues regarding women’s health and reproductive rights as well as equal pay. But, she was first and foremost a journalist who started out, in her words, “as a girl reporter” forced to do light fluffy magazine features, a role she resented. She went on to write serious investigative pieces before co-founding Ms Magazine, the first magazine owned and run by women. Amy Richards, co-founder of Gloria’s Foundation, remembers her. With his top hat, big smile and pack of cards, Juan Tamariz, was an instantly recognisable magician, known in his home country of Spain as "The Maestro". He studied physics and film at university, two disciplines which he wove into his magic, and was also fascinated by psychology and philosophy. He was a funny and charismatic performer who appeared regularly on TV in Spain and here in the UK. His former student, and fellow magician, Jorge Blass shares his memories. Sir Andrew Nicol was a British barrister and judge who defended the rights of journalists and broadcasters in several high-profile cases – such as his defence of journalists from the New Statesman who were held in contempt of court for interviewing jurors in the infamous Jeremy Thorpe trial. He later went on to cowrite the first book on Media Law, alongside fellow KC Geoffrey Robertson, with whom he also founded the internationally renowned Doughty Street Chambers. The ballerina Pauline Clayden began her career amid the destruction of the Second World War with the internationally renowned Sadler’s Wells Ballet - know known as the Royal Ballet. She was thought of as one of the most talented performers of her time, but perhaps unfortunately for her, she shared the stage with Margot Fontayne, and thus never became a principal ballerina. Her friend and critic Alastair Macauly shares her life in dance - her passion until her death at 103. Presenter: Kirsty Lang Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Alice McKee Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editors: Andrea Kennedy and Glyn Tansley Archive: BBC World Service, Witness History, 02/12/2024; BBC Radio 2, John Dunn Show, 02/04/1984; BBC Radio 4, Desert Island Discs, 25/03/2016; BBC News, 100 Women, 03/12/2023; BBC One, Paul Daniel’s Secrets, 06/12/1995; BBC One, Paul Daniel’s Secrets, 10/01/1996; BBC Radio 4, PM, 22/06/1979; BBC One, News, 02/11/2020

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