The 5-Minute Interview: Jeremy Bowen, Journalist

'Looking back, I used to look like Borat'

The BBC's Middle East editor, Jeremy Bowen, 46, has just published a book, 'War Stories', which came out in hardback on 6 November.

The most important aspect of journalism is...

Tell a true story and be honest. You have to be rigorous and employ strict quality control.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Ideally, doing something with my kids, Jack, 3, and Mattie, 5, with a nice supper of something.

A phrase I use far too often is...

"Oh I'm not sure. I've got to look at my diary... but I haven't got it with me."

I wish people would take more notice of...

Excess packaging.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

Enjoying fatherhood as much as I do. It's a whole other dimension to life. I like the responsibility.

A common misperception of me is...

That I look better with a moustache. I was imprisoned by that moustache. I was liberated when I got rid of it. Looking back, I looked like Borat.

I am not a politician but...

Why don't they do something to make public transport cheaper - with ecologically acceptable air conditioning.I'm surprised more people don't pass out.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

Never be bored. If you are, do something about it.

Sara Newman