Fergal Keane, 65, has worked for the BBC for 37 years and has reported from some of the most dangerous places in the world. He has now announced he is leaving the corporation

08:06, 15 Feb 2026Updated 08:06, 15 Feb 2026

The BBC’s veteran foreign correspondent, Fergal Keane, is parting ways with the corporation after a remarkable 37-year tenure. The 65 year old expressed his “sadness” at leaving in a brief statement.

“I leave with a natural degree of sadness but with immense gratitude to the organisation and the people I have been privileged to work alongside. The BBC remains the greatest public service broadcaster anywhere in the world. To go when I still have the drive and curiosity for fresh challenges was always my plan,” he stated.

Keane embarked on his journey with the corporation in 1989 when he took up the role of Northern Ireland correspondent. A year later, he transitioned to the position of South African correspondent, a post he held for four years.

During this time, he reported on the country’s unrest, the first multi-racial elections following the end of apartheid, and the genocide in Rwanda. In 1997, he received a BAFTA for Valentina’s Story, one of his films on the region.

In 1994, Keane shifted gears once again, becoming the BBC’s Asia correspondent. He was stationed in Hong Kong during the handover from the UK to China, marking the end of more than 150 years of British rule in the region, reports the Express.

In recent times, he has extensively covered the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza.

Richard Burgess, the BBC’s director of news content, paid tribute to the journalist, stating: “Fergal’s career has been defined by the quality of his journalism and storytelling, as well as the humanity and empathy which has imbued all his reporting.”

“Beyond his professional achievements, Fergal is clever, kind and generous, as well as thoughtful and witty. We will miss him as a valued colleague.”

Upon news of his departure, an outpouring of tributes and admiration flooded social media. One Facebook user expressed: “Brilliant reporter…He will be missed..”

Another added: “An amazing man. Won’t see the likes of him again.”

A third echoed: “Excellent reporter, will be missed.”

A fourth shared: “Sad to hear this, a trusted reporter..”

A fifth wrote: “He’s an amazing journalist.”

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Meanwhile, a sixth commented: “Well done – comhghairdeas [congratulations]….he sure has put in hard yards in some of the most difficult places in the world.”

Although he’s leaving behind his full-time job, Fergal has no intention of slowing down. As an accomplished author with several books under his belt, he is currently working on both his first novel and a new non-fiction piece.

He’ll also continue to collaborate with the BBC as a freelancer, focusing on producing extended films and video content.