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Harry Belafonte, Jerry Springer, Valerie Winn, Kate Saunders

Matthew Bannister on singer and actor Harry Belafonte, broadcaster Jerry Springer, runner Valerie Winn and author Kate Saunders.

Matthew Bannister on

Harry Belafonte, the singer and actor who was also a leading civil rights campaigner.

Jerry Springer, whose TV talk show was once voted the worst in history – but was watched by millions around the world.

Valerie Winn, the runner who became the face of a campaign to allow women to compete in top level middle distance races.

Kate Saunders, the novelist, journalist and critic who won the Costa Prize for Children’s Literature for her book Five Children on the Western Front.

Interviewee: Michael Shnayerson
Interviewee: Amanda Craig
Interviewee: Wendy Sly
Interviewee: Jene Galvin

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies

Archive used:

Harry Belafonte, Desert Island Discs, Â鶹Éç Home Service, 06/10/1958; "Sing Your Song": Remembering Harry Belafonte, Who Used His Fame to Help Civil Rights Movement, Democracy Now, YouTube uploaded 26/04/2023; Harry Belafonte interview, Film Night, Â鶹Éç Archive originally broadcast 15/04/1972; Civil Rights, British Pathe, uploaded YouTube 25/11/2016; Harry Belafonte interview, PBS Newshour, PBC, YouTube uploaded 15/11/2011; Kate Saunders introduction on Have I Got News For You, Â鶹Éç ONE, 28/09/1990; Jerry Springer , Desert Island Discs, Â鶹Éç Radio 4, 06/11/2009; Jerry Springer resigns from Cincinnati city council in 1974, WCPO, YouTube uploaded 28/04/2016; Jerry’s Final Thought Brings Him To Tears, Jerry Springer Show, YouTube uploaded 21/09/2015; When Paxman met Springer, Â鶹Éç Newsnight, 26/02/2014;

Available now

28 minutes

Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte

The singer and actor who was also a leading civil rights campaigner.

Last Word spoke to Michael Shnayerson who co-wrote Harry Belafonte’s biography.

Born March 1 1927, died April 25 2023 , aged 96.   

Kate Saunders

The novelist, journalist and critic who won the Costa Prize for Children’s Literature for her book Five Children on the Western Front.

Last Word spoke to her friend and author Amanda Craig

born 4 May 1960; died 21 April 2023, aged 62.

Valerie Winn

The runner who became the face of a campaign to allow women to compete in top level middle distance races.

Last Word spoke to Olympic medallist Wendy Sly from Athletics Weekly.  

Born August 31 1929, died March 27 2023, aged 93

Jerry Springer

The broadcaster whose TV talk show was once voted the worst in history but was watched by millions around the world.

Last Word spoke to Jene Galvin a personal friend of Jerry Springer.

Born February 13 1944, died April 27 2023, aged 79

Broadcasts

  • Fri 5 May 2023 16:00
  • Sun 7 May 2023 20:30

Podcast