After Dinner Speakers
John Craven OBE is one of the UK’s most distinguished broadcasters.
A mainstay on British television for over 45 years, John is best know for presenting the BBC’s ‘Newsround‘ and ‘Countryfile‘.
Born in Leeds, John Craven started his in career journalism at the Harrogate Advertiser.
He later wrote for The Yorkshire Post and many national newspapers before joining the BBC in Newcastle upon Tyne as a newswriter.
He moved to Bristol as a reporter on regional television and in 1971 made his debut as a network television presenter, on the current affairs show ‘Search‘.
The following year came the launch of John Craven’s Newsround the first television news bulletin in the world produced for children.
John stayed for more than 3,000 editions, spending 17 years with the programme and filming special reports from more than 40 countries.
For ten years, he was also a presenter on Saturday morning television on The Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and Saturday Superstore.
In 1989, John joined Countryfile – the BBC magazine programme which, every Sunday, highlights rural and environmental issues.
In November 1996, the Royal Television Society elected him a member of its exclusive Hall of Fame, in recognition of an Outstanding Contribution to British Television
John Craven was awarded an OBE in 2000 for services to rural and children’s broadcasting.
John is available to host award ceremonies, chair events and deliver speeches.