Peter Snow, British historian and journalist

Peter John Snow, born on 20 April 1938, is a distinguished British radio and television presenter and a noted historian whose career has left an indelible mark on British broadcasting, particularly in the realm of election analysis and current affairs. Over several decades, Snow became an almost indispensable fixture of British general election nights, renowned for his ability to translate complex political data into easily understandable insights for the public.

His remarkable tenure as an election results analyst spanned from 1969 to 2005. He first lent his expertise to ITV, where he helped pioneer live election coverage, before transitioning to the BBC. At the BBC, he further solidified his reputation, often using innovative visual aids, like the famous "swingometer," to explain shifts in voter sentiment across constituencies. His distinctive, engaging style made the often-dense process of election night both informative and captivating for millions of viewers across generations.

Beyond the high-octane environment of election coverage, Snow was a familiar and authoritative face to viewers of Newsnight, the BBC's flagship current affairs programme. He was instrumental in shaping the programme from its very launch in 1980, serving as one of its primary presenters until 1997. During his time on Newsnight, he covered a vast array of domestic and international issues, bringing clarity and gravitas to complex topics.

Snow's intellectual curiosity and passion for history also led him to present a considerable number of documentaries. These productions explored a wide range of historical and contemporary subjects, showcasing his depth of knowledge and storytelling prowess. Notably, he shared this passion and on-screen presence with his son, Dan Snow, collaborating on several insightful documentary series that brought history to life for a wider audience, demonstrating a unique father-son dynamic in educational broadcasting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Snow

Who is Peter Snow?

Peter John Snow is a prominent British radio and television presenter and historian, widely recognized for his extensive career in broadcasting, particularly for his roles in general election coverage and as a presenter for BBC's Newsnight.

What is Peter Snow primarily known for?

He is most famous for his insightful and engaging analysis of British general election results, a role he performed from 1969 to 2005, initially for ITV and later for the BBC. He also had a significant tenure as a presenter for BBC's Newsnight from 1980 to 1997.

When was Peter Snow active in election coverage?

Peter Snow provided election results analysis for 36 years, from 1969 to 2005, becoming a staple of British election nights.

Did Peter Snow present Newsnight?

Yes, Peter Snow was a key presenter for BBC's Newsnight from its launch in 1980 until 1997, contributing significantly to its reputation as a leading current affairs program.

Has Peter Snow worked with his son, Dan Snow?

Yes, Peter Snow has collaborated with his son, Dan Snow, on a number of documentaries, combining their expertise to present historical subjects to television audiences.