Kate Adie archive opens in Sunderland
University unveils newly catalogued collection celebrating the journalist’s extraordinary career, from local roots to global reporting
A newly catalogued archive celebrating the life and work of legendary journalist Kate Adie has been unveiled at the University of Sunderland.
The Kate Adie Collection documents her career as one of the BBC’s most recognisable correspondents - from the Iranian Embassy siege to conflict zones around the world. Adie, who grew up in Sunderland, donated the archive in 2005. It includes notebooks, tapes, letters, photographs, and even fan mail.
Thanks to grant funding from Archives Revealed, the University appointed a dedicated archivist, Dr Ellie Clewlow, who has spent the past year cataloguing the collection. Her work ensures researchers, students, and the wider public can now explore the material more easily.
The official launch of the archive took place at the University’s David Puttnam Media Centre on April 10, featuring a special In Conversation event with local broadcaster and Sunderland honorary graduate Jeff Brown.
During the event, Adie reflected on her journey - from her childhood in Tunstall Park to decades reporting from war zones. The pair explored highlights from her decades of reporting, giving the audience an intimate look at the stories behind the headlines and the experiences that shaped one of Britain’s most iconic journalists.
“A reporter doesn’t have much time to collect souvenirs,” she said, “but I hope it represents the extraordinarily varied stories I’ve covered—from wars to royal garden parties.”
The archive includes highlights from Adie’s career, including her reporting on Tiananmen Square and her time as the BBC’s chief news correspondent. It also gives insight into her early work in local radio and life in Sunderland, where she attended Sunderland High School.
Vice Chancellor Sir David Bell described the collection as “a unique resource that will enrich learning and inspire new generations.”
The archive sits alongside other special collections at the University, including the NEEMARC mining archive and the Lord Puttnam Collection.
Plans are now in motion to digitise key parts of the collection, making them accessible to global audiences and local community groups alike.
Kate Adie, who holds a CBE and several honorary degrees—including one from Sunderland—also serves as the University’s Honorary Professor of Journalism. Her published works include The Kindness of Strangers and Fighting on the Home Front.
The Kate Adie Collection is now available for research, teaching, and community engagement, offering an in-depth look into the legacy of one of Britain’s most fearless reporters.