Long-standing BBC newsreader Peter Sissons has announced his retirement this summer after a 45-year career in broadcast journalism.
The 66 year-old presenter has decided to leave his current position at the BBC News channel to concentrate on writing his memoirs.
Sissons told the Daily Mirror: “I do feel I’m still on top of my game and I still enjoy it – I don’t know how much I’ll miss it until I stop but I don’t think I’ll be sitting in a darkened room.”
He is thought to be Britain’s longest serving news presenter, joining ITN in 1964 after graduating from Oxford University.
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In 1969 he was appointed ITN’s news editor, becoming industrial correspondent a year later, and industrial editor in 1972.
His first role as a news anchor came in 1978, when he began presenting ITN’s News At One.
BBC News channel controller Kevin Bakhurst said in a statement: “We would like to thank Peter for his outstanding contribution to the BBC over the past 20 years.
“He’s been a towering figure in TV news and it’s been a privilege for our teams to work with him.
“He will be missed and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”
Asked about his career highlights, Sissons said he was proudest of launching Channel 4 News in 1982. He spent seven years there.
“While I was there it was nominated for a Bafta five years running and won three times,” he said. “The format we settled on is exactly what you see today. It’s still the show to beat.”
Sissons also told the Mirror that he would not completely rule out a return to TV.
He said: “I will be open to offers, but I want to write a few things down.
“I’ve started my memoirs but I haven’t got past the early years yet. I haven’t got a title in mind. It doesn’t even have a publisher.”
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