Victoria Derbyshire wins Broadcaster of the Year at PinkNews Awards
Victoria Derbyshire has made her first public appearance after undergoing breast cancer surgery, to accept the PinkNews Broadcaster of the Year Award.
The broadcaster was hailed for her work on BBC2’s Victoria Derbyshire show, which has consistently reported on LGBT issues over the past year – from a report on the lives of young transgender children, to features on the lives of same-sex families.
Team GB Athlete Tom Bosworth recently came out as gay on the show, with Derybshire asking about his career in sport and the homophobia he has experienced in life.
Shadow Secretary of State Diane Abbott presented the award to the star, adding that she was delighted to be able to recognise the broadcaster for her work.
Victoria Derbyshire said: “This is absolutely thrilling. I’ve never won anything like this before, so it’s a real honour. Our programme only launched in April, so it’s amazing – thank you very much PinkNews.
“We have covered lots of diverse stories – transgender children under the age of ten to only last week, one of Team GB’s Track and Field Athletes choosing our programme to come out.
“I hope we have created an open, respectful and courteous environment, to discuss really important issues – thank you very much!”
The show’s editor Louisa Compton said: “In the six months we’ve been on air, I’m really proud that our first and probably only ever award is a PinkNews Award.
“Thank you very much, for those of you that voted. There aren’t many TV broadcasters who have a real commitment to LGBT issues, and we’re really grateful that we’re one of the programmes that has been able to do those kinds of stories.”
Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan also paid tribute to the broadcaster, saying: “Can I just say to Victoria, that it’s great to see her here, looking so well.
Other nominees in the category were Reggie Yates, Vicky Beeching, Anna Richardson, Lorraine Kelly, Iain Dale, and the Jeremy Kyle Show.
The PinkNews Awards are generously supported by Lloyds Banking Group.
