Sally Taylor, one of the longest-serving regional news presenters in the UK, has announced her retirement from the BBC’s South Today, bringing an illustrious broadcasting career spanning nearly four decades to a close.

A Broadcasting Icon Steps Down

Taylor, who joined South Today in 1987, has been a familiar face in homes across the South of England for 37 years. She will present her final programme on 20 March, marking the end of an era for the BBC’s flagship regional news programme.

During her career, she has:

• Covered 10 General Elections
• Reported from Bosnia at the end of the war alongside military medics
• Broadcast live from Antarctica aboard HMS Endurance
• Presented BBC Radio Solent’s mid-morning and Saturday shows

Honours and Recognition

In 2005, Taylor was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to regional broadcasting.

She later received an honorary doctorate from the University of Winchester in 2015 in recognition of both her broadcasting work and her contributions to local charities.

Tributes from BBC Colleagues

Jason Horton, Director of Production for BBC Local, praised Taylor’s dedication to journalism and her commitment to audiences.

“Her class in the studio or on location, her sheer hard work in preparing for the programme, and her eye for the stories that really connect with the South Today audience, is unrivalled.

He added that she has played a crucial role in mentoring the next generation of journalists and broadcasters.

Peter Cook, Senior Head of Content Production for BBC South, described her as a “broadcasting legend”.

“She’s had an incredible career at the BBC and earned the respect and affection of our viewers who have trusted her to tell them what’s happening and why.”

Sally Taylor Reflects on Her Career

Reflecting on her decision to step down, Taylor expressed gratitude for the opportunities her career had given her.

“I fell into television 40 years ago and never thought I’d still be doing it today, but the time has come to hand over the reins to someone else who I hope will cherish the job as much as I have.”

She added:
“At the heart of everything we do is the relationship with our audience, I feel very honoured that they have shared and trusted me to tell their stories. It’s been wonderful.”

End of an Era

Taylor’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary career in regional news, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy in British broadcasting.

BBC bosses have yet to announce who will replace her, but her impact on South Today and its viewers is certain to be felt for years to come.