Annie Othen

Annie Othen
Born	Ann Rosella Othen Hornchurch, Essex, United Kingtom
Occupation	Broadcaster and journalist
Nationality	British

Annie Othen is a journalist and broadcaster. She began working in commercial radio in 1983, later joining the BBC in 1993 where she has presented both national and local radio shows.^[1]^[2] Annie has presented the mid-morning show on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire.^[3] In 2011 she was nominated for a Gillard radio award^[4] and again in 2013.^[5]

Education

Othen gained an honours degree at the University of Warwick in Sociology. Post-graduate studies in Education and Associate Degree in dance (IDTA).

Early career

Othen started off in press and Public relations for Aga and Rangemaster. In an interview given in 2007 ^[6] she explained how she got her first job in radio. Annie joined Mercia Sound in 1983^[7]^[8] where she presented the late night show and afternoon shows. After Mercia she worked for a large number of commercial radio stations including launching Xtra Am,^[9] Heart FM, and Jazz FM.

TV career

Othen was an integral part of the launch team for the first Cable TV in the Midlands, Coventry Cable TV.^[10] Television reporting includes BBC Midlands Today.

Recent career

Othen joined the BBC in 1993, joining BBC WM at Pebble Mill.^[11] In 1998 and 1999 she broadcast on BBC Radio 2 presenting late night and early morning shows and has been a contributor to Radio 4.^[12]^[13] With a keen interest in political journalism, notable interviews have made national headlines including the then Home Secretary Jack Straw^[14] and Prime Minister David Cameron. She presented the Annie Othen Show on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire broadcasting weekday mornings.^[15] Prior to that, she presented the Breakfast Show for six years. In 2011, Annie won a Bronze Gillard award for 'best mid-morning show'^[16] and in 2013 was a recipient of a Gold Gillard for radio Impact category.^[17] Othen remains a guest presenter on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire.^[18]

Othen regularly hosts the annual 'Carols at Warwick Castle' event.^[19]

Other Work

Othen was lecturer in Radio Production and Journalism at Coventry University for a number of years. In March 2012, she presented a Journalism Masterclass.^[20] She has also been guest lecturer at University of Warwick and lecturer in Radio Production and Presentation at Warwickshire College for sixteen years.

Trivia

Othen also trained as a dancer and coached a team to the finals of BBC Come Dancing. She once performed for Omar Sharif^[21]