Peter Sissons

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Peter George Sissons (born 17 July 1942 in Liverpool) is a nationally-known television newsreader in the United Kingdom. Originally from Liverpool, he went to Dovedale Road Junior School with John Lennon and Jimmy Tarbuck and after the 11+ to the Liverpool Institute for Boys from 1953 to 1961 with Bill Kenwright, George Harrison and Paul McCartney. He later studied at University College, Oxford where he was Treasurer of the University College Players.

In June 1989, Peter Sissons took over from Sir Robin Day as the presenter of Question Time. He continued until December 1993, when he was followed by David Dimbleby.

He also co-presented BBC's 1992 General Election Night coverage with David Dimbleby and Peter Snow. Previously he had been a co-presenter on ITN's election night programmes in 1983 (with Sir Alastair Burnet and Martyn Lewis) and in 1987 (with Burnet and Alastair Stewart).

He has worked for ITN, Channel 4 News and BBC News, where he hosted the BBC Nine O'Clock News and the Ten O'Clock News. He retired from this position in January 2003 and now presents on weekend afternoons on BBC News 24. Sissons reportedly accused the BBC for ageism in response to its decision to move him from the prime slot ^[1].

His daughter is the actress Kate Sissons.

[edit] Tie Controversy

Peter Sissons was criticised for his announcement of The Queen Mother's death for wearing burgandy tie as opposed to a black one deemed more appropriate for such news ^[2]. Sissons has since publicly defended his actions ^[3].

[edit] References

1. ^ Andrew Clennell. "Peter Sissons is moved from BBC's 10 o'clock slot", The Independent, 2002-09-01. Retrieved on 2006-12-09. (in English)
2. ^ "Sissons hits back at critics", BBC, 2002-04-03. Retrieved on 2006-12-09. (in English)
3. ^ David Sapsted and Matt Born. "Sissons defends corporation's coverage and lack of a black tie", Telegraph, 2002-04-03. Retrieved on 2006-12-09. (in English)