Paddy O’Connell is a radio and TV presenter, well-known to the millions who listen to him on BBC Radio 4’s Sunday flagship programme, ‘Broadcasting House’ – an upbeat take on the news. He commentated from the funeral of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Coronation of the King and Queen; hosts on BBC Radio 2 and came to fame as the BBC’s Wall Street Anchor during the attacks of 9/11.
Paddy started his broadcasting career in 1989 on the BBC’s local trainee scheme, then spent five years as a BBC local radio reporter in Devon, Essex and Cleveland. From there, he went on to join Radio 5 Live at its launch before moving to the USA for WGBH programme ‘The World’.
In 1997, Paddy became BBC News North America Business Correspondent and Wall Street anchor, based in New York City, during which time he anchored BBC reporting from Manhattan during the 9/11 World Trade Centre attacks. Back home, he’s worked on LBC and Channel Four, and hosts a new podcast. Back home, he’s worked on LBC and Channel Four, and hosts a new podcast.
He has strong personal links with the Royal Marines family, nurtured over many years.
A decade ago, Royal Marine D-Day veterans voted him Chairman of the 47 Royal Marine Commando Association, his late father, Guy, having been Captain, Heavy Weapons Troop of this wartime-only unit that landed both in Normandy and on the Dutch Island of Walcheren in 1944. 47 has since been revived as 47 RM Commando Raiding Group.
Paddy generously gives of his time in supporting the Charity, working alongside friends, family and the Serving Corps attending and taking part in events such as battlefield tours, walks and numerous other social fundraising activities.
He was a volunteer vaccinator and driver during the COVID pandemic, runs a pub, lives in London and says he ‘is owned by Bob – a Border Terrier’!