Peter (John) Snow - Trivia

Broadcaster and writer, born in Dublin, Ireland. He studied at Oxford, joined the army, then became a newscaster and reporter for ITN (1962–6), and a diplomatic and defence correspondent (1966–79), joining the BBC as presenter of Newsnight in 1979. From 1974 to 2005 he became well-known as the co-presenter of general election programmes and his ‘swingometer’ coverage of results as they were announced. His books include a biography of Saddam Hussein (1972).

For the New Zealand doctor, see Peter Snow (doctor).

Peter Snow CBE (born April 20, 1938 in Dublin, Ireland) is a British television and radio presenter. He is the cousin of Jon Snow, the main presenter of Channel 4 News, and the brother-in-law of historian-writer Margaret MacMillan.

He was educated at Wellington College and subsequently read Greats at Balliol College, University of Oxford, where he was taught by R.M.

Snow was a newscaster for Independent Television News (ITN) from the 1960s, but gained most fame when recruited to present the BBC2 in-depth news programme Newsnight in 1980.

He has been involved in the live general election results programmes for many years, first at ITN and later for the BBC.

Along with his son, Dan, Peter Snow presented a TV series Battlefield Britain, covering battles on British soil from Boudica's struggle with the Romans to the Battle of Britain.

On October 6th 2005, the BBC announced that Peter Snow would be standing down from his electoral reponsibilties and concentrate more on journalism. Mr. Snow himself is quoted as saying "I shall be over 70 at the next general election and that, frankly, is a bit old to be dancing around in front of huge graphic displays"

Trivia

He once auditioned for the part of James Bond. Cousin of Channel Four News presenter, Jon Snow. Father of Dan Snow and five other children including a French son born before his first marriage.