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Peter Sissons: his career in video

As the veteran newsreader retires, here are a few notable moments from his 45-year career

Newsreader Peter Sissons is retiring after 45 years in journalism. None of today's newsreaders can hold a candle to him.

I have always found Sissons a broadcasting class act, authoritative, but not overbearing. He read the news with an air of quiet assurance and a touch of humour, but only when appropriate.

The enormous rumpus that surrounded the maroon tie he wore when announcing that the Queen Mother had died in 2002 unfairly besmirched his reputation.

Here is a short videography of his 45-year career including his first gig fronting ITV News at One, through to launching Channel 4 News, to Question Time and various BBC bulletins.

El Doraldo axed

This was big news at the time but now worth watching for our Pete's reaction to the news at the end of the report.

ITN News at One

It was the era of Margaret Thatcher, Michael Foot, the Moog synthesiser and news intros that began with people typing. And as it broadcast at 1pm, only one bong rang out.

The death of the Queen Mother 2002

Sissons announces to the world that the Queen Mother has died. The gravity of the news appears to get to him as he slightly stumbles over his words. The Mail on Sunday and Daily Mail later viciously attacked Sissons over his tie and his interview with the Honourable Vanessa Rhodes, who midway through the interview revealed that she was present at her bedside when the Queen Mother died.

Princess Diana obituary

Sissons was on more measured and unmistakeably authoritative form in dealing with an earlier royal death.

Sissons in the chair on Channel 4 News circa 1987

A standard Channel 4 news bulletin. Sissons still believes that its 7pm news is "the one to beat".

The perils of live news

In several decades before a live news camera, there are bound to be at least a couple of times when you look the wrong way. And he still doesn't lose his cool.

He always kept his sense of humour

That relaxed manner could also be used to gently throw his fellow presenters.

...and then there's this one

It could be an off-air moment; or it could be a nicely faked off-air moment. But finally, we couldn't leave it out.
UPDATE: The BBC has confirmed that this clip is genuine. It was an outtake that never made it to air on the news, but has starred in several outtake shows.

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