Former Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on Friday.
The broadcaster will pick up the Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting at the Broadcasting Press Guild awards on Friday. The lunch ceremony, taking place at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in Whitehall, London, will celebrate 50 years of broadcasting from Paxman.
His career in broadcasting began as a graduate trainee at BBC Radio Brighton back in 1972. During the 1980s he reported on numerous stories as well as presenting several BBC News programmes, notably BBC Breakfast Time.
In 1988 he joined BBC Two’s Newsnight programme, which seen him hone his skills as one of the most skilled broadcasters and forensic interviewers on British television. Paxman grilled numerous Prime Ministers, Presidents and newsmakers until his departure from the show in 2014.
Grant Tucker, Broadcasting Press Guild President:
“As an organisation of journalists, the BPG holds Jeremy Paxman in very high esteem for his broadcasting record which has meant remarkable longevity, a unique authenticity, and a fierce desire to hold some people’s feet to the fire. We loudly applaud Jeremy’s famous interview interrogations of the powerful and his dedication to the journalistic craft, which provides the very best for his viewers, listeners and readers.”
The 72-year-old is also host of quiz show University Challenge. He announced in 2022 that he would be stepping down as host after 29 years. His final episodes will air later this year on BBC Two.
The Outstanding Contribution Award to Broadcasting is given in honour of Harvey Lee, famed media correspondent for the Daily Telegraph. Other winners through the years include Sir David Front, Sir Lenny Henry, Moira Stuart and Phil Redmond.
