Andy Kershaw, the broadcaster who brought world music to a mainstream audience on BBC Radio 1 and reported from conflict zones, has died aged 66 after treatment for cancer.
Kershaw began his national broadcasting career on BBC Two's Whistle Test in 1984, and the following year co-hosted the Live Aid concert. He joined Radio 1 in 1985, where he championed music from Malawi, the Congo and South Africa, often playing live sessions. He shared an office with John Peel and producer John Walters.
Over 15 years at Radio 1, Kershaw travelled widely for music specials, including a trip to Zimbabwe. He also reported for Radio 4 on the Rwandan genocide and civil wars in Angola and Sierra Leone. On Radio 3, he co-presented World Routes and later Music Planet.
After his Radio 1 show ended in 2000, Kershaw moved to Radio 3, hosting a weekly world music show until 2007. He made documentaries from North Korea, Iran and Turkmenistan. His career was disrupted by personal issues following a relationship breakdown, leading to prison terms for breaching a restraining order.
Kershaw returned to Radio 3 in later years. He is survived by his children.
