BBC legend behind one of broadcaster’s biggest scoops quits after 50 years-Laura Harman-Entertainment – Metro

Laurie Margolis is leaving the BBC after a 50-year career (Picture: BBC/PA)

Broadcasting legend Laurie Margolis has quit the BBC after 50 years of working for the broadcaster, it has been announced.

The Radio News Editor, 74, retirement plans were revealed on Wednesday evening on BBC Radio 4’s PM programme.

‘After five decades at the BBC, Laurie Margolis is retiring,’ it was announced on the BBC show as they then played an interview in which Laurie explained how he obtained his huge scoop regarding the Falklands War in the 80s.

The radio personality is best known for breaking the news about the Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Islands in 1982 after using an amateur radio to intercept radio signals from fishermen on the islands and obtain the information.

In the interview, the journalist explained that his report meant the government was no longer able to deny the news story and was forced to make an announcement about the invasion the same evening he broke the news for the BBC.

The journalist has been hailed as a ‘BBC legend’ with messages pouring out to pay tribute to the star as he retires after five decades.

BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay wrote on X: ‘Laurie Margolis aka G3UML. Leaving the BBC after 50 years. Everyone who’s worked in News knows and respects him. Lovely chap. Remarkable career. And what a story this is…’

BBC correspondent Dan Johnson added: ‘An absolute legend of BBC News, one of the steadiest hands on the newsdesk and a total gentleman. I got to know the name Laurie Margolis as soon as I started in local radio and he’s been an enormous pleasure to work with. We’ll miss Laurie’s unrivalled experience and ingenuity.’

BBC reporter Peter Ruddick: ‘I have only been at the BBC for eight years but there are names when you hear them, or see them, that make you feel instantly relaxed about the person’s journalism. Laurie Margolis is one of them.’

BBC Correspondent Sanchia Berg said: ‘Wonderful account by @lauriemargolis of one of the greatest scoops- breaking the news that Argentina had invaded the Falklands. Laurie finally leaves @BBCNews this week after 50 years. Best of luck!’

Laurie’s daughter, Lucy Margolis who is an Assitant Editor at Sky News said on X: ‘My Dad, marking 50 years – yes, that’s half an actual century – of working at the BBC. Talk about setting the bar high.’

The now-retired BBC legend lives in North West London with his wife Jacky.

Laurie has two adult daughters, Helen who lives in Sydney Australia and Lucy who is based in London, and followed her father’ career path as a journalist.

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