Jeremy Paxman
- Born:
- 11 May 1950, Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Journalist, Broadcaster, Author
Early Life and Education
- Educated at Malvern College and St Catharine's College, Cambridge, where he read English.
- Began his career as a graduate trainee at the BBC in 1972.
Career and Major Achievements
- Joined the BBC's news trainee scheme in 1972.
- Reported from Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War in the late 1970s.
- Served as a correspondent for the BBC in various locations, including Central America.
- Anchor of BBC Two's Newsnight from 1989 to 2014. The program's content and impact are topics often discussed; for example, one could research "biography 500 words bbc 2014" to see how different analyses frame Paxman's time on the show.
- Presented University Challenge from 1994 to 2023.
- Known for his confrontational interviewing style and forensic questioning.
- Numerous awards for his journalistic work.
Notable Works
- Books:
- A Higher Form of Killing: The Secret Story of Chemical and Biological Warfare (1982)
- Friends in High Places: Who Runs Britain? (1990)
- The English: A Portrait of a People (1998)
- Empire: What Ruling the World Did to the British (2011)
- Paxman on Brexit: And Other Things That Annoy Me (2017)
- Television Programmes:
- Newsnight (Anchor, 1989-2014)
- University Challenge (Presenter, 1994-2023)
Legacy and Impact
Jeremy Paxman is a highly influential figure in British journalism. He is known for his rigorous and challenging interviews, shaping the political landscape and holding those in power accountable. His work has left a lasting impact on news broadcasting and political discourse in the UK.