Veteran war correspondent Kate Adie has resigned from the BBC after 35 years with the organisation. Over the course of her career the 57-year-old has distinguished herself as one of the world's most respected reporters, speaking to the nation from the frontlines of conflicts in China, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Kosovo and Kuwait.
The image of Kate clad in a flak jacket and combat fatigues, as troops fought battles in the background, became a familiar sight to BBC viewers over the years.
But more recently, and particularly during the Afghanistan conflict, she has taken a less prominent role in the organisation's war coverage. Her decision to go freelance just as the war in Iraq looks certain has fuelled speculation that she felt sidelined at the Beeb. Despite being Chief News Correspondent, Kate was largely omitted from plans for coverage of the expected war in the region.
She had become an increasingly outspoken critic of her employers, saying that the corporation judged female journalists by their looks instead of their abilities. The reporter accused bosses of being obsessed with "cute faces and cute bottoms and nothing in between".
The BBC says her departure was a mutual decision, however, and Kate will continue to work for them in a freelance capacity.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
