Peter Snow
Encyclopedia
Peter Snow, CBE
(born 20 April 1938) is a British
television
and radio
presenter. He is the grandson of First World War general Sir Thomas D'Oyly Snow
, and cousin of Jon Snow
, the main presenter of Channel 4 News
, nephew of schoolmaster and bishop George D'Oyly Snow
, and the brother-in-law of historian-writer Margaret MacMillan
. He is also the father of fellow TV presenter Dan Snow
.
, Libya, where his father was a British Army Officer.
in the village of Crowthorne
in Berkshire
, and subsequently read Greats (Classics) at Balliol College
, Oxford University
, where he was taught by R. M. Hare
.
(ITN) from 1962, but gained a much higher profile after he was recruited to present the BBC Two
in-depth news programme Newsnight
which began in 1979. He left Newsnight in 1997 and presented Tomorrow's World
(with Philippa Forrester
) and the BBC Radio 4
quizzes Masterteam
and Brain of Britain
, amongst other projects.
He has been involved in the live general election
results programmes for many years, first at ITN and later for the BBC. He presents statistical analyses of the election results, and took over responsibility for these following the death of Robert McKenzie, and became largely associated with the "Swingometer
" when it was reinstated in 1992. He is known for his somewhat excitable style of presentation and ever-more elaborate props and graphics, though perhaps his most famous prop was the most basic - a sandpit
which he used to illustrate the progress of the First Gulf War
. In 1994 he parodied his election role by providing analysis of the entries for the Eurovision Song Contest
in the BBC's two contest preview shows
ahead of the final in Dublin. His data analysis predicted that either France or the United Kingdom would win. They finished 7th and 10th respectively.
He survived a plane crash at Port Blakely, Washington, United States
on 1 October 1999 when the De Havilland DHC-2 MARK I
, registration number N9766Z in which he was a passenger hit trees on a film project for the BBC.
Along with his son, Dan
, Snow presented a TV series Battlefield Britain
, covering battles on British soil from Boudicca's struggle with the Romans
to the Battle of Britain
. Sometimes they point out the hardships that the much smaller soldiers must have faced (Peter is 6'5" and Dan is 6'6"). They reunited to host 20th Century Battlefields
for BBC 2 and the Military Channel
in 2006. This covers battles all around the world and is presented in similar fashion to the first Battlefield Britain.
On 6 October 2005, the BBC announced that Snow would cease working on election broadcasts to concentrate on nature programmes. 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 waving it all about in front of huge graphic displays."
In May 2007, a musical of Snow's turbulent career entitled The Snowman was premiered at the Ifield Barn Theatre in Crawley, West Sussex.
In January 2008, while presenting What Britain Earns, a BBC programme about salaries in the UK alongside his son, he admitted to earning around £100,000 a year.
In August 2008 Snow appeared in the reality TV
talent show
-themed television series, Maestro
on BBC Two
.
In July 2009, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the NASA moon landings, ITN produced five special 10-minute programmes for ITV1
titled Mission to the Moon - News from 1969. Snow participated in these programmes, acting as a correspondent alongside former ITN colleague John Suchet
, the presenter of the specials.
He also presented a special on BBC Radio 4 focusing on "Britain's First Day of War in 1939".
On the show Horrible Histories
, there is a regular sketch in the section 'HHTV News', where Bob Hale, a character whose personality is similar to that of Peter Snow. He is known for his catchphrases 'But not for long!' and 'Or so we thought!' and usually concludes with a summary but then starts talking more.
and five other children including a French son, Matthieu, born before his first marriage. He was appointed CBE
(Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to broadcasting in the 2006 Queen's New Year's Honours List. He married Alison Carter in 1964 and the couple had a son (Shane) and a daughter (Shuna) but divorced nine years later. In 1976 he married Ann MacMillan (of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
since 1981) with whom he has a son (Dan
, who married into one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Britain, the Grosvenors
) and two daughters, Rebecca and Kate. His wife and sister-in-law are great-granddaughters of former British Prime Minister David Lloyd George
.
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(born 20 April 1938) is a British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
and radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
presenter. He is the grandson of First World War general Sir Thomas D'Oyly Snow
Thomas D'Oyly Snow
Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas D’Oyly Snow KCB, KCMG was a British General in the First World War who commanded during some of the major battles of the Western Front. He had two nicknames, ‘Slush’ and ‘Snowball’, both plays on 'Snow'.-Education and early military career:Snow was born on 5 May 1858...
, and cousin of Jon Snow
Jon Snow
Jon Snow is an English journalist and presenter, currently employed by ITN. He is best known for presenting Channel 4 News.He was Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University from 2001 to 2008.-Early life:...
, the main presenter of Channel 4 News
Channel 4 News
Channel 4 News is the news division of British television broadcaster Channel 4. It is produced by ITN, and has been in operation since the broadcaster's launch in 1982.-Channel 4 News:...
, nephew of schoolmaster and bishop George D'Oyly Snow
George D'Oyly Snow
George D’Oyly Snow was a career school master who later served for a decade as the fifth Bishop of Whitby.-Life and career:...
, and the brother-in-law of historian-writer Margaret MacMillan
Margaret MacMillan
Margaret Olwen MacMillan, OC is a historian and professor at the University of Oxford, where she is Warden of St. Antony's College. She is former provost of Trinity College and professor of history at the University of Toronto and previously, at Ryerson University...
. He is also the father of fellow TV presenter Dan Snow
Dan Snow
Daniel Robert Snow is an English television presenter. He has presented and appeared in many popular history-related programmes for the BBC and is the "History Hunter" for The One Show.-Early life and background:...
.
Early life
Snow was born in Dublin where he lived at 77 Leeson Street, he then spent part of his early childhood in BenghaziBenghazi
Benghazi is the second largest city in Libya, the main city of the Cyrenaica region , and the former provisional capital of the National Transitional Council. The wider metropolitan area is also a district of Libya...
, Libya, where his father was a British Army Officer.
Education
Snow was educated at Wellington College, an independent schoolIndependent school
An independent school is a school that is independent in its finances and governance; it is not dependent upon national or local government for financing its operations, nor reliant on taxpayer contributions, and is instead funded by a combination of tuition charges, gifts, and in some cases the...
in the village of Crowthorne
Crowthorne
Crowthorne is also a suburb of Johannesburg, South AfricaCrowthorne is a village and civil parish in the Bracknell Forest district of south-eastern Berkshire. It has a population of 6,711...
in Berkshire
Berkshire
Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...
, and subsequently read Greats (Classics) at Balliol College
Balliol College, Oxford
Balliol College , founded in 1263, is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England but founded by a family with strong Scottish connections....
, Oxford University
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...
, where he was taught by R. M. Hare
R. M. Hare
Richard Mervyn Hare was an English moral philosopher who held the post of White's Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Oxford from 1966 until 1983. He subsequently taught for a number of years at the University of Florida...
.
Life and career
Snow was a newscaster for Independent Television NewsIndependent Television News
ITN is a news and content provider with headquarters in the United Kingdom. It is made up of four key businesses: ITN News, ITN Source, ITN Productions and ITN Consulting. The ITN logotype can be displayed in any of 4 different colours, each of which represents a business unit. This is the...
(ITN) from 1962, but gained a much higher profile after he was recruited to present the BBC Two
BBC Two
BBC Two is the second television channel operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of subject matter, but tending towards more 'highbrow' programmes than the more mainstream and popular BBC One. Like the BBC's other domestic TV and radio...
in-depth news programme Newsnight
Newsnight
Newsnight is a BBC Television current affairs programme noted for its in-depth analysis and often robust cross-examination of senior politicians. Jeremy Paxman has been its main presenter for over two decades....
which began in 1979. He left Newsnight in 1997 and presented Tomorrow's World
Tomorrow's World
Tomorrow's World was a long-running BBC television series, showcasing new developments in the world of science and technology. First aired on 7 July 1965 on BBC1, it ran for 38 years until it was cancelled at the beginning of 2003.- Content :...
(with Philippa Forrester
Philippa Forrester
Philippa Forrester is an English television and radio presenter, producer and author. Having presented shows such as Tomorrow's World, The Heaven and Earth Show and Robot Wars, she now makes wildlife programmes with her husband, Charlie Hamilton James.-Education:Forrester was educated at Westgate...
) and the BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4 is a British domestic radio station, operated and owned by the BBC, that broadcasts a wide variety of spoken-word programmes, including news, drama, comedy, science and history. It replaced the BBC Home Service in 1967. The station controller is currently Gwyneth Williams, and the...
quizzes Masterteam
Masterteam
Masterteam is a BBC television and radio quiz show, devised by the team which made Mastermind. The show was devised by Dave Ross at the BBC Quiz Unit....
and Brain of Britain
Brain of Britain
Brain of Britain is a BBC radio general knowledge quiz, broadcast on BBC Radio 4.-History:It began as a slot in What Do You Know? in 1953 before becoming a programme in its own right in 1967. It was chaired by Franklin Engelmann until his death in 1972.-Format:The format of the quiz is simple...
, amongst other projects.
He has been involved in the live general election
United Kingdom general elections
This is a list of United Kingdom general elections since the first in 1802. The members of the 1801–1802 Parliament had been elected to the former Parliament of Great Britain and Parliament of Ireland, before being co-opted to serve in the first Parliament of the United Kingdom, so that Parliament...
results programmes for many years, first at ITN and later for the BBC. He presents statistical analyses of the election results, and took over responsibility for these following the death of Robert McKenzie, and became largely associated with the "Swingometer
Swingometer
The swingometer is a graphics device that shows the swing from one party to another on British election results programmes. It was invented by Peter Milne, and later refined by David Butler and Robert McKenzie....
" when it was reinstated in 1992. He is known for his somewhat excitable style of presentation and ever-more elaborate props and graphics, though perhaps his most famous prop was the most basic - a sandpit
Sandpit
A sandpit or sandbox is a low, wide container or shallow depression filled with sand in which children can play. Many homeowners with children build sandpits in their backyards because, unlike much playground equipment, they can be easily and cheaply constructed...
which he used to illustrate the progress of the First Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
. In 1994 he parodied his election role by providing analysis of the entries for the Eurovision Song Contest
Eurovision Song Contest
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual competition held among active member countries of the European Broadcasting Union .Each member country submits a song to be performed on live television and then casts votes for the other countries' songs to determine the most popular song in the competition...
in the BBC's two contest preview shows
Eurovision Song Contest Previews
The Eurovision Song Contest Previews are annually broadcast TV shows showcasing the entries into the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest. They were inaugurated in 1971 for the contest in Dublin, Ireland, and have been provided by the European Broadcasting Union to all participating countries ever...
ahead of the final in Dublin. His data analysis predicted that either France or the United Kingdom would win. They finished 7th and 10th respectively.
He survived a plane crash at Port Blakely, Washington, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
on 1 October 1999 when the De Havilland DHC-2 MARK I
De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver
The de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver is a single-engined, high-wing, propeller-driven, STOL aircraft developed by de Havilland Canada, primarily known as a bush plane. It is used for cargo and passenger hauling, aerial application , and has been widely adopted by armed forces as a utility aircraft...
, registration number N9766Z in which he was a passenger hit trees on a film project for the BBC.
Along with his son, Dan
Dan Snow
Daniel Robert Snow is an English television presenter. He has presented and appeared in many popular history-related programmes for the BBC and is the "History Hunter" for The One Show.-Early life and background:...
, Snow presented a TV series Battlefield Britain
Battlefield Britain
Battlefield Britain is a 2004 BBC television documentary series about famous battles in the history of Great Britain. From Boudicca's destructive rebellion against the Romans to the incredible feats of The Few who saw off the Luftwaffe, these battles all had wide-reaching consequences and...
, covering battles on British soil from Boudicca's struggle with the Romans
Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome was a thriving civilization that grew on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC. Located along the Mediterranean Sea and centered on the city of Rome, it expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world....
to the Battle of Britain
Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain is the name given to the World War II air campaign waged by the German Air Force against the United Kingdom during the summer and autumn of 1940...
. Sometimes they point out the hardships that the much smaller soldiers must have faced (Peter is 6'5" and Dan is 6'6"). They reunited to host 20th Century Battlefields
20th Century Battlefields
20th Century Battlefields is a BBC documentary television series hosted by television and radio personality Peter Snow, and his son Dan Snow....
for BBC 2 and the Military Channel
Military Channel
The Military Channel is a cable and satellite television network which broadcasts television programming related to the military, warfare and military history. It is part of the group of networks owned by Discovery Communications within the United States and Canada...
in 2006. This covers battles all around the world and is presented in similar fashion to the first Battlefield Britain.
On 6 October 2005, the BBC announced that Snow would cease working on election broadcasts to concentrate on nature programmes. 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 waving it all about in front of huge graphic displays."
In May 2007, a musical of Snow's turbulent career entitled The Snowman was premiered at the Ifield Barn Theatre in Crawley, West Sussex.
In January 2008, while presenting What Britain Earns, a BBC programme about salaries in the UK alongside his son, he admitted to earning around £100,000 a year.
In August 2008 Snow appeared in the reality TV
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
talent show
Talent show
A talent show is an event where participants perform their talent or talents of acting, singing, dancing, acrobatics, drumming, martial arts, playing an instrument, and other activities to showcase a unique form of talent, sometimes for a reward, trophy or prize...
-themed television series, Maestro
Maestro (TV series)
Maestro is a 2008 reality TV talent show-themed television series produced by the BBC's Classical Music Department in the United Kingdom. It was shown on BBC Two in August and September 2008....
on BBC Two
BBC Two
BBC Two is the second television channel operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of subject matter, but tending towards more 'highbrow' programmes than the more mainstream and popular BBC One. Like the BBC's other domestic TV and radio...
.
In July 2009, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the NASA moon landings, ITN produced five special 10-minute programmes for ITV1
ITV1
ITV1 is a generic brand that is used by twelve franchises of the British ITV Network in the English regions, Wales, southern Scotland , the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The ITV1 brand was introduced by Carlton and Granada in 2001, alongside the regional identities of their...
titled Mission to the Moon - News from 1969. Snow participated in these programmes, acting as a correspondent alongside former ITN colleague John Suchet
John Suchet
John Suchet is a British news reader and television presenter.Suchet has two brothers, one of whom is David Suchet, a British actor. His father was Jack Suchet, who emigrated to England from South Africa in 1932, and trained to be a doctor at St Mary's Hospital, London...
, the presenter of the specials.
He also presented a special on BBC Radio 4 focusing on "Britain's First Day of War in 1939".
On the show Horrible Histories
Horrible Histories (2009 TV series)
Horrible Histories is an award-winning British children's television series based on the Terry Deary book series of the same name. The first series was thirteen episodes long, and was broadcast from 16 April to 9 July 2009 on CBBC on BBC One. A second series, of twelve episodes , aired from 31 May...
, there is a regular sketch in the section 'HHTV News', where Bob Hale, a character whose personality is similar to that of Peter Snow. He is known for his catchphrases 'But not for long!' and 'Or so we thought!' and usually concludes with a summary but then starts talking more.
Personal life
He is the father of Dan SnowDan Snow
Daniel Robert Snow is an English television presenter. He has presented and appeared in many popular history-related programmes for the BBC and is the "History Hunter" for The One Show.-Early life and background:...
and five other children including a French son, Matthieu, born before his first marriage. He was appointed CBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to broadcasting in the 2006 Queen's New Year's Honours List. He married Alison Carter in 1964 and the couple had a son (Shane) and a daughter (Shuna) but divorced nine years later. In 1976 he married Ann MacMillan (of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly known as CBC and officially as CBC/Radio-Canada, is a Canadian crown corporation that serves as the national public radio and television broadcaster...
since 1981) with whom he has a son (Dan
Dan Snow
Daniel Robert Snow is an English television presenter. He has presented and appeared in many popular history-related programmes for the BBC and is the "History Hunter" for The One Show.-Early life and background:...
, who married into one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Britain, the Grosvenors
Gerald Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster
Major-General Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster, , is the son of Robert George Grosvenor, 5th Duke of Westminster, and his wife Hon. Viola Maud Lyttelton. He is the owner of property company Grosvenor Group...
) and two daughters, Rebecca and Kate. His wife and sister-in-law are great-granddaughters of former British Prime Minister David Lloyd George
David Lloyd George
David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor OM, PC was a British Liberal politician and statesman...
.
External links
- Peter Snow Official Website
- Peter Snow talks about his career to David Lawson
- BBC News OnlineBBC News OnlineBBC News Online is the website of BBC News, the division of the BBC responsible for newsgathering and production. The website is the most popular news website in the United Kingdom and forms a major part of BBC Online ....
- Peter Snow survives plane crash - BBC News Online - Peter Snow hangs up swingometer
- BBC News OnlineBBC News OnlineBBC News Online is the website of BBC News, the division of the BBC responsible for newsgathering and production. The website is the most popular news website in the United Kingdom and forms a major part of BBC Online ....
(Peter Snow remembers...) - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/newsnight25/4209789.stm - RandomHouse article - The World's Greatest 20th Century Battles
- Amazon Link for 20th Century Battlefields
- An Audience with Peter Snow was the highlight of the 2007 Ludlow Festival on July 7.
- http://www.ifieldbarn.co.uk/ For details of "The Snowman" the musical
- BBC Archive - Swingometer