Peter Barron MBE

Peter Barron MBE is one of the most respected campaigning journalists in the regional press, as well as a broadcaster and children’s author.

Peter was awarded the MBE for services to journalism and community life and is a former UK Columnist of the Year.

He has two hilarious talks suitable for a range of audiences:

Cloudy, Rain Later is a reflection on his surreal life in local newspapers: the cock-ups, misprints, disasters and triumphs.

Dad At Large is based on his award-winning newspaper column about the funny side of parenthood, the funny things kids say, and why men deserve more sympathy.

Peter was brought up in a Middlesbrough steel-making family but chose journalism. He began his career as a trainee reporter with the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph in 1981. The job was meant to have gone to a youthful Jeremy Clarkson but he was mistaken for Peter during the interview process!

Peter went on to join The Northern Echo in 1984 and became the paper’s editor in 1999, building a reputation for campaigns such as cutting heart bypass waiting times in Britain. He stepped down as the longest-serving editor The Northern Echo’s illustrious history in April 2016 in order to run his own media company.

Peter has a daily “Headline Challenge” spot on BBC radio – daring listeners to come up with a better headline than his on a funny news story. He has presented TV documentaries for the BBC and is in demand as a compere at events and ceremonies.

He is also a successful children’s author, having had 11 books published, including the popular “Monstrous Morals” series.