For more than three decades, Alan Partridge has been the ultimate broadcasting survivor and my broadcasting hero.
During media training sessions with as Alan would say “Captains of industry or politicians,” we show an introductory clip reel of Alan’s finest broadcasting moments to calm a beating heart of a client.
I am not sure how he would cope if he had worked on Irish Televisions state broadcaster RTE or go head to head with US President Trump.
His alter ego Steve Coogan once told me Alan reminded him of an RTE chat show legend. Say no more.
Alan from his champion sports desk beginnings, to Knowing Me Knowing You, to the delightful graveyard shift on North Norfolk Digital, to disastrous documentaries and triumphant returns, he’s done it all badly, brilliantly, and always hilariously.
Now, with How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge), he’s tackling Britain’s “first ever” documentary on mental health. Of course, in true Alan Partridge fashion, it’s part vanity project, part mid-life redemption, and part car-crash TV. But that’s exactly why he’s a true broadcasting hero to many of us, in the fearful time of geopolitics.
Hero Partridge is fearless in exploring taboo subjects, painful and very awkward silences, and the shifting sands of political correctness. He mirrors the insecurities, missteps, and delusions of broadcasters everywhere yet remains strangely endearing. You laugh at him, you cringe with him, and sometimes, you even feel for him.
That’s why Alan Partridge endures. He’s a cultural touchstone. He reminds us that broadcasting isn’t about perfection it’s about risk, failure, resilience, and the relentless drive to stay relevant.
A-ha! To Alan still teaching us about the business of broadcasting, even when face-down in a stranger’s lap.
Thank you for the surprise birthday good wishes today, may I assume you cashed the cheque!
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