A university lecturer and former Ipswich Star reporter is bringing to light the story of the BBC’s first female newsreader, a woman who fought sexism after being told her career was an ‘experiment’ - but who never gave up. 

These days, we take for granted the voices of women like Fiona Bruce and Rita Chakrabarti bringing us the day’s headlines.

However, when Sheila Stewart came on air in July 1933, she had to be referred to as Mrs Giles Borrett, her husband’s name.  

At the time, there was much debate about whether women’s voices were suitable for radio at all, and Sheila believed that her lower-pitched voice contributed to her being hired for the role. 

BBC bosses referred to her appointment as “an experiment” - but soon declared it a failure, ending Sheila’s contract after just three months, supposedly having been inundated with complaints.  

Ipswich Star: Sheila Stewart was the BBC's first female newsreader, having been appointed in July 1933. Image: Andrea SmithSheila Stewart was the BBC's first female newsreader, having been appointed in July 1933. Image: Andrea Smith (Image: Andrea Smith)Ipswich Star: Dr Andrea Smith is a lecturer in English and Creative Writing at the University of Suffolk. Image: University of SuffolkDr Andrea Smith is a lecturer in English and Creative Writing at the University of Suffolk. Image: University of Suffolk (Image: University of Suffolk)

But Sheila, a former actress and audiobook narrator, refused to let go of a career of a radio broadcaster. 

Her story is a huge inspiration to Dr Andrea Smith, a lecturer in English and Creative Writing at the University of Suffolk.  

“My main area of research is in radio and drama, but I’m also an ex-journalist,” explained Dr Smith, who worked for the then-Evening Star for many years before moving to the BBC. 

“There was a lot of discussion around my own voice and whether it was suitable for radio,” Dr Smith continued. 

“When I came across Sheila and her story, I knew I needed to know more. 

“She didn’t give up. She went out to the United States and made a home and a career for herself out there, becoming a distinguished broadcaster in Florida.  

“She was still broadcasting into her 80s and counted her career as being 53 years in total.” 

Ipswich Star: Dr Andrea Smith lecturers in English and Creative Writing at the University of Suffolk. Image: University of Suffolk Dr Andrea Smith lecturers in English and Creative Writing at the University of Suffolk. Image: University of Suffolk (Image: Newsquest)

Dr Smith became inspired to bring Sheila’s story to light after coming across an article she had written for the Radio Pictorial in 1934, calling out the sexism she had suffered. 

“The experiment that failed!” Sheila wrote. “I suppose that is my correct label. And yet, oddly enough, I have no sense of personal failure, nor do I think that the experiment has been proved yet, one way or the other.  

“The decision of the public that they do not want a woman announcer can be only a temporary one. Women are bound to come forward in that capacity sooner or later, for I do firmly believe that woman has a definite place in radio. 

Dr Smith will be discussing Sheila’s story on BBC Radio 3’s Free Thinking programme on Thursday.