John Thompson (journalist)

John Brian Thompson CBE (8 June 1928 – 18 May 2017) was a British journalist and radio regulator who was influential in the development of independent radio in the United Kingdom,[1][2] becoming known as "the father of independent radio".[3] He had a career on The Daily Express and The Observer, where he was early editor of the colour magazine,[4] before becoming the first director of radio of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA)[5] from 1972 to 1987.[6] He was succeeded by his deputy Peter Baldwin.[6]

John Thompson

CBE
Born
John Brian Thompson

(1928-06-08)8 June 1928
Bangor, County Down
Died18 May 2017(2017-05-18) (aged 88)
OccupationJournalist and radio regulator

Background

Thompson was born in Bangor, County Down, and was eight years old when he moved with his family moved to south London.[4] He was educated at St Paul's School, and went on to read history at Pembroke College, Oxford.[4]

Awards and recognition

He was appointed a CBE in 1980 for services to radio.[1] On his retirement from the IBA he was honoured with a Fellowship at the Radio Academy.[2]

References
  1. "John Thompson, pioneering local radio regulator – obituary", The Telegraph, 5 June 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  2. "Former IBA Director of Radio John Thompson dies", Radio Today UK, 24 May 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  3. "A fond farewell to the father of independent radio", Radiocentre, 24 May 2017.
  4. Low, Valentine (5 July 2017). "John Thompson obituary". The Guardian.
  5. "John Thompson", The Times, 1 June 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2017. (subscription required)
  6. Street, Seán. (2009). The A to Z of British Radio. Lanham: Scarecrow Press. p. 270. ISBN 978-0-8108-7013-0.
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