Martin Bashir (born January 19, 1963 in London) is a British journalist of Pakistani descent who is generally known for his controversial interviews that have generated widespread attention (mainly criticism), both in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

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[edit] Early life

Bashir was born in South London and grew up in Wandsworth. He was educated at King Alfred's College of Higher Education, Winchester (since 2004 the University of Winchester), studying English & History from 1982-1985, and at King's College London. He still keeps a house in Winchester.

[edit] Career

He started work as a journalist in 1986. He worked for the BBC until 1999 on programmes including Songs of Praise, Public Eye and Panorama and then he joined ITV, working on special documentary programmes and features for Tonight with Trevor McDonald. Bashir came to wide prominence in 1995 when he interviewed (for the BBC's Panorama programme) Diana, Princess of Wales about her failed marriage to the Prince of Wales. Since then he has conducted interviews with, amongst others, Louise Woodward, the five suspects in the Stephen Lawrence case, Michael Barrymore, Jeffrey Archer, Major Charles Ingram, and Joanne Lees.

Regarding his 2003 dialogue with Michael Jackson, titled Living with Michael Jackson critics contend the documentary was yellow journalism, claiming Bashir edited the tapes in a sensational manner that only presented Jackson in an unflattering light. After seeing the edited version of the interview, Jackson released a rebuttal interview, filmed by his personal cameraman. Jackson showed footage of Bashir praising him as a father, and agreeing that the life as Michael Jackson is difficult. Living with Michael Jackson was watched by 14 million viewers in the UK. When it was aired in the U.S., the furore over insinuations of paedophilia began a series of events that led to Michael Jackson being tried for molesting a boy who appeared in the film. Jackson was later acquitted.

Currently, Bashir serves as a correspondent for ABC's 20/20. Bashir also became one of the three full-time anchors of Nightline following Ted Koppel's last broadcast in November 2005.

Bashir has also appeared in the film Mike Bassett: England Manager, where he played himself.

[edit] Other

In May 2003, he was voted the 5th worst Briton in Channel 4's poll of the 100 Worst Britons, just behind Margaret Thatcher and Jade Goody.

In July 2008 Bashir provoked a storm of protest when serving as a presenter at a dinner held for the Asian American Journalists' Association. Bashir was eventually forced to apologise for referring to his female colleagues as "Asian babes", stating he was "glad the podium covers me from the waist down" and making suggestive comments about his co-presenter's dress. [1] [2] [3]

He has been quoted as saying he is a committed Christian in an interview.[4].

Bashir confirmed on June 8, 2008 that doctors found a tumor on his pituitary gland.[5] It was found after he suffered a head injury. He intends to continue with his career.

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/aug/05/television?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront
  2. ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/aug/07/television.usa/
  3. ^ Guillermo, Emil (2008-08-07). "ABC’s Naughty Bashir". AsianWeek. Retrieved on 2008-08-11.
  4. ^ Wells, Matt; "Talk to me"; The Guardian; January 22, 2003.
  5. ^ Martin Bashir suffering from brain tumour

[edit] External links


Preceded by
Ted Koppel		 Nightline anchor
November 28, 2005-
With Terry Moran and Cynthia McFadden		 Succeeded by
Current