Former BBC and ITN newsreader Peter Sissons has died at the age of 77.
Mr Sissons started with ITN in the 1960s before joining the BBC in 1989 to present Question Time and the Six O’Clock News.
BBC Director-General, Tony Hall, said Peter was one of the great television figures of his time – as an interviewer, presenter and world-class journalist.
“During his distinguished career he was one of the most recognisable and well-respected faces of television news. He was always a great person to be with and to work with. He will be missed by his many friends and colleagues and our thoughts are with his family,” he added.
Former newsreader and journalist Peter Sissons has died at the age of 77. Here he is in September 1989, introducing his first episode of Question Time. pic.twitter.com/HQMqWDzMZ4
— BBC Archive (@BBCArchive) October 2, 2019
Tributes have been paid to Mr Sissons from colleagues and celebrities.
Having grown up watching and admiring Peter Sissons it was such a privilege to end up working alongside him at News 24. I don’t think he ever got my name right when he threw to me but I loved sharing a studio with him and learned so much. My thoughts are with his family.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) October 2, 2019
Very sorry to hear of the death of one of the greats of TV News broadcasting. Peter Sissons, former ITN, BBC & Channel 4 presenter. I studied his technique when I first started in news. He was a great interviewer & could make any story sound vital. RIP. https://t.co/OhEVHGlkGX
— Bill Neely (@BillNeelyNBC) October 2, 2019
I met Peter Sissons on my first day as an ITN trainee. He said: “You’re going to be taught all sorts of stuff about pictures and cameras and sound and editing. But there’s only one thing that matters – the words”. He was right. Fine man, fine journalist. https://t.co/g7N7OeVTYO
— James Mates (@jamesmatesitv) October 2, 2019
Tony Hall's statement on the death of Peter Sissons: https://t.co/M1h32JNxaa pic.twitter.com/nVhfP5Q3Ob
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) October 2, 2019
