Liverpool is famous not only for its architectural landmarks and beautiful locations but also for its talented people. Today, we’re looking at the life of the journalist and broadcaster, Peter Sissons. Read on to learn more about his story at liverpool1.one.
Early Life and Education
The future journalist was born in Liverpool in 1942 and grew up in a large family. He attended the same primary school as John Lennon and Jimmy Tarbuck. He later went to the Liverpool Institute for Boys, where his classmates included Paul McCartney, Stephen Norris, and George Harrison.
Sissons went on to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at University College, Oxford.
Career Development
The Liverpool native began his journalism career at ITN in 1964. While covering the Biafran War, he was wounded by gunfire, sustaining serious damage to his left leg.
He later became ITN’s Industrial Editor and joined the presenting team for the lunchtime bulletin, ITN’s News at One. He was also part of ITN’s coverage of the 1983 general election.
In 1982, Sissons, alongside Trevor McDonald and Sarah Hogg, presented the very first edition of Channel 4 News. He would work on this programme for the next seven years.
It’s worth noting that his work was often fraught with danger. On the night of the Lockerbie bombing in 1988, Peter was the newsreader on duty. A few months later, the journalist received threats following an interview he conducted with an Iranian official.
In 1989, the broadcaster moved to the BBC to become the presenter of Question Time, a role he held until 1993. He subsequently worked across ITN, Channel 4 News, and BBC News.
In 2009, the journalist decided to retire and step back from his professional activities.
However, Sissons did not stay quiet in retirement. In 2011, he published his autobiography, in which he criticised his former employer, the BBC. He claimed that the organisation had a “left-wing mindset” and that the majority of its employees likely voted for left-leaning political parties.
Personal Life
On a personal note, Sissons was married and had three children. He was made an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University and in 2008 even delivered a lecture at the institution about his home city. The broadcaster was also a lifelong supporter of Liverpool Football Club.
In 2019, the journalist and television presenter passed away from leukaemia.
The BBC: The World’s Largest Broadcaster
Peter Sissons worked for many years at the BBC, the UK’s public service broadcaster. The company employs over 22,000 people worldwide, with its headquarters located in London.
The corporation’s history began back in 1922. On 14 November 1922, its first radio programme was aired. Just five years later, the company was granted a Royal Charter and was nationalised. Despite this, the corporation has always maintained its editorial independence.
Television broadcasts began gradually from 1929. In August 1932, Baird’s company (which would become BBC One) launched a regular television service. However, the outbreak of the Second World War brought a temporary halt to television broadcasting.
Over the years, the BBC has expanded its broadcasting services to cover almost every region of the world.
We hope you’ve found this article insightful and have learned something new about the famous journalist from Liverpool and the broadcasting company where he worked.