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Veteran broadcaster Annie Nightingale dies, aged 83
Annie Nightingale attending the Women of the Year Lunch and Awards 2010

VETERAN broadcaster and  “original trailblazer for women in radio” Annie Nightingale has died at the age of 83, the BBC announced today.

She became the first female presenter on BBC Radio 1 when she joined the station in 1970, during a time where misogyny pervaded the industry — and went on to become its longest-serving host.

In a statement reported by the BBC, her family said: “Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many. 

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