Andrea Catherwood: The Remarkable Journey of a Northern Irish Broadcaster
Andrea Catherwood is a renowned Northern Irish television and radio broadcaster, documentary maker, and media commentator known for her sharp intellect, graceful delivery, and fearless reporting. With a broadcasting career spanning more than three decades, she has worked with some of the most respected global networks including BBC, ITN, NBC, and Bloomberg.
Today, Andrea Catherwood is best recognised as the presenter of Feedback on BBC Radio 4, where she provides thoughtful dialogue and critique of British broadcasting through the voice of its listeners. Beyond her polished radio persona, she has lived a life of extraordinary professional adventure — from war zones to live television, from corporate moderation to documentary storytelling.
Early Life and Education
Roots in Belfast
Born on 27 November 1967 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Andrea Catherine Catherwood grew up during a period of immense political tension known as The Troubles. Her mother, Adrienne McGuill, was a pioneering newsreader and presenter at Ulster Television, perhaps shaping Andrea’s early fascination with journalism.
Academic Excellence
Andrea attended Strathearn School, a well-regarded grammar school for girls in Belfast, before moving to England to study law. She graduated from The University of Manchester with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree — a background that honed her analytical skills and precision with language, both hallmarks of her later journalism.
Career Beginnings: A Young Voice on the BBC
At just 16 years old, Andrea began her media journey with BBC Northern Ireland, presenting youth-focused current affairs programmes. Her natural confidence and curiosity won her the BBC Young Presenter of the Year award, setting the stage for an exceptional media career.
Soon after completing university, she joined Ulster Television (UTV) as a reporter in the early 1990s, covering stories that connected her deeply to Northern Irish culture and identity.
From Asia to the World Stage
International Breakthrough at NBC
In 1993, Andrea relocated to Hong Kong, joining NBC Asia as a foreign correspondent and anchor. Her time there was formative — she reported on the historic 1997 handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China, interviewed global figures such as Aung San Suu Kyi, and covered events across Asia.
Her calm authority and ability to translate complex international events into accessible reports quickly earned her recognition across the region.
The ITN Years: Courage and Composure
Andrea Catherwood returned to the UK in 1998, joining ITN (Independent Television News) as both newscaster and foreign correspondent. Between 1998 and 2006, she anchored ITV News bulletins and travelled to conflict zones including Kosovo, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan.
In 2001, she was among the first British journalists to enter Mazar-i-Sharif after its capture by the Northern Alliance. During the uprising, she was injured by shrapnel from a grenade attack but continued reporting — a moment that defined her reputation for bravery and professionalism.
Her ITN years solidified her as one of the leading female correspondents in British journalism — combining emotional intelligence with journalistic integrity.
Bloomberg and Business Broadcasting
After leaving ITN, Andrea joined Bloomberg Television in 2008 as the presenter of the flagship business and current-affairs show “The Pulse with Andrea Catherwood.” Broadcasting daily from London, she interviewed European Prime Ministers, Finance Ministers, CEOs, and economists during the global financial crisis and Eurozone turmoil.
Her intelligent questioning style and ability to draw nuanced insights from complex economic stories made her a trusted voice in international business journalism.
Andrea Catherwood and the BBC Radio 4 Era
Transition to Radio Excellence
In 2012, Andrea began presenting across BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service, contributing to iconic programmes such as Woman’s Hour, The Media Show, You & Yours, Saturday Live, and Last Word.
By 2015, she was a regular voice on Radio 4, known for her clarity and calm tone. Her intelligence, empathy and experience brought credibility to every broadcast.
Presenter of Feedback
Since 2022, Andrea Catherwood has been the presenter of “Feedback” — the long-running BBC Radio 4 programme that listens to the public’s opinions on broadcasting. Each week, she speaks directly to audiences, producers, and decision-makers, ensuring transparency and accountability within the BBC.
Her balanced style — neither defensive nor critical — reflects her lifelong commitment to fair journalism.
Documentaries, Writing and Public Engagement
Beyond radio and television, Andrea has made numerous BBC documentaries exploring issues close to her heritage and expertise. Notably, her documentary series “This Union: A Sea Between Us” examined Northern Ireland 100 years after its creation, offering rare insights into identity, politics, and belonging.
Andrea Catherwood is also a prolific writer, contributing travel and opinion articles to major British newspapers including The Guardian, The Telegraph, Mail on Sunday, The Sunday Times, and The Independent.
She frequently moderates and hosts international conferences, debates and awards, combining her journalistic background with elegant public speaking. Her professionalism has made her a sought-after host for corporate, literary and cultural events around the world.
Andrea Catherwood Now
Today, Andrea Catherwood continues to balance an impressive range of professional and personal commitments. Based in Greater London, she presents Feedback, contributes to BBC documentaries, writes features, and moderates global forums.
She is also an Ambassador for the Hope Foundation, reflecting her ongoing commitment to social responsibility and humanitarian causes.
Her social media presence — particularly her Twitter (X) account @acatherwoodnews and Instagram profile @andreacatherwoodnews — provides glimpses into her professional life, media commentary, and family moments.
Andrea Catherwood’s Family Life
Andrea Catherwood Husband
Andrea married Graham (Gray) Smith, a lawyer, in July 2002 during a private ceremony in Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland. The couple have maintained a relatively low public profile while supporting each other’s careers.
Andrea Catherwood Children
The couple are parents to three sons — Finn, and identical twin boys, R and J.
Andrea occasionally shares heartfelt family photos and posts, showing her children growing up through the years. One of her posts from 2020 marked Finn’s 16th birthday, while another earlier post affectionately referred to the twins as “mini versions” of herself.
As of 2025, all three boys are entering adulthood, with Finn and the twins aged around 21.
Personal Character
Despite decades in the public eye, Andrea remains grounded and protective of her family’s privacy. Her warmth and authenticity often shine through in interviews and online interactions.
Awards and Recognition
Andrea Catherwood’s contributions to broadcasting have been recognised by her peers. She has served as a Royal Television Society judge, Costa Book Awards juror, and chair of the Dalkey Book Festival Literary Awards panel.
She has also acted as a BAFTA judge, reinforcing her status as one of the UK’s most respected voices in journalism and culture.
Why Andrea Catherwood Still Matters
In an age of rapid media change, Andrea Catherwood represents journalistic integrity, composure and depth. Her ability to bridge television, radio and digital media demonstrates true adaptability.
She continues to inspire young journalists — especially women — who aspire to combine intellectual rigour with empathy and courage. Her Northern Irish background and global outlook give her voice authenticity and perspective in an increasingly complex media landscape.
Conclusion
Andrea Catherwood’s story is not just that of a broadcaster, but of a trail-blazing communicator who has spent her life connecting people to truth, understanding and dialogue.
From her beginnings in Belfast to the global stage of television and radio, she has defined excellence in journalism. Whether hosting Feedback on BBC Radio 4, crafting insightful documentaries, or mentoring future journalists, Andrea Catherwood remains one of the most trusted and admired voices in British media.
FAQs
1. Who is Andrea Catherwood?
Andrea Catherwood is a Northern Irish television and radio broadcaster, documentary maker, and journalist, best known as the presenter of Feedback on BBC Radio 4.
2. How old is Andrea Catherwood?
She was born on 27 November 1967 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, making her 57 years old (turning 58 in 2025).
3. Who is Andrea Catherwood’s husband?
Andrea Catherwood is married to Graham (Gray) Smith, a lawyer. The couple wed in 2002 in Kenmare, Ireland.
4. Does Andrea Catherwood have children?
Yes. She has three sons — Finn and identical twin boys named R and J.
5. Where can I follow Andrea Catherwood online?
Her official social-media account is @acatherwoodnews on Twitter (X) and Instagram, where she shares updates on her BBC work and personal interests.
