Beti George

Beti George is a titan of broadcasting in Wales.

She began her career in the 1970s as a freelance reporter on Bore Da, a BBC radio Welsh daily programme. She went on to present Heddiw, a BBC TV nightly programme. When S4C was launched in 1982, she presented Newyddion, the Welsh language News programme produced by the BBC for the channel. Back then, she was one of less than a handful of female news anchors in Wales, establishing herself authoritatively in an era when women were sidelined or appointed to supporting roles only.

This year her radio interview programme Beti a'i Phobl celebrated 40 years - the series was first broadcast on BBC Radio Cymru in 1984.

Beti is a master of her craft. Her interviewing style seems so effortless but there is real rigour to her work, stemming from her deep and genuine interest in people - celebrities and stars but also those individuals who have interesting lesser-known stories to tell. Over the years she has amassed hundreds of interviewees on Beti a'i Phobl, constituting a significant archive for the nation to treasure.

Beti's intellect and compassion shine through in all her presenting work, be it on classical music programmes or Cysgu o Gwmpas, her recent travel series with Huw Stephens. Beti George is an example to all, for her longevity, her contribution to broadcasting, and without forgetting her important work to raise awareness of dementia and its impact on carers and sufferers. She has led the way for all subsequent broadcasters.