Journalist, radio and TV broadcaster, cricket fanatic and proud Yorkshireman, Sir Michael Parkinson has been a fixture on network broadcasting from 1969 until his retirement three years ago. Probably best known for his BBC TV series, which ran from 1971 to 1982, and then from 1998 until 2007, before moving briefly to ITV, Sir Michael brought some of the most iconic names of the times into our living rooms. In its early days the show did not rely on stars’ need to promote their latest films, music, books or programmes. Instead, names such as Brando, Astaire, Niven, Bergman, Hope, Crosby, John, Midler, McCartney, Hopkins and Ali were happy to take the stage and reminisce in response to    Sir Michael’s astute but gentle questioning. But Parkinson was also eager to promote young and aspirational new names that had caught his eye or his ear. Billy Connolly in the 70s and Diana Krall and Peter Kay in the 90s were among those showcased and made famous. Equally, “Parky” became a fixture on Sunday morning radio with his BBC Radio 2 mixture of music, comment and interview that ran from 1996 to 2007 – and enjoyed highlighting talent both new and familiar.

Throughout this period, Parky continued to write for newspapers, and to produce books, as well as presenting regularly on Australian TV and radio.

A man recognised for getting the best out of his guests by asking the difficult questions in a gentle manner, Sir Michael nevertheless holds strong views that he has never held back from his writing and commentating. He will be elaborating on some of those views, and looking back on an outstanding career in conversation with journalist Ray Snoddy.

Roy Addison, Chairman, RTS Veterans

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