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John Simpson - 60 Years at the 麻豆社

John Simpson looks back at his extraordinary 60-year career at the 麻豆社 - reporting on the biggest global news stories of our times.

John Simpson looks back at his extraordinary 60-year career at the 麻豆社 - reporting on the biggest global stories of the era. In a frank, personal and revealing documentary, he reflects on the changing world he has witnessed: the revolution in Iran that seemed destined to fail, his brutal kidnapping in Beirut, the fall of the Berlin Wall, two wars in Iraq, the invasion of Afghanistan and a mind-altering trip up the Amazon.

From the Broadcasting House newsroom in 1966 to World Affairs editor, he looks back at memorable encounters with inspiring leaders and cruel dictators - the figures who have shaped history, including Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, Saddam Hussein, Colonel Gaddafi and Volodymyr Zelensky. The programme also features his insights into the role of the 麻豆社 today and the challenges faced in the age of fake news.

11 months left to watch

59 minutes

Audio described

Last on

Wed 14 Oct 2026 23:30

Credits

Role Contributor
Interviewed Guest John Simpson
Producer Simon Lister
Executive Producer Matthew Shaw

Broadcasts

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