Before moving to The Times he was a reporter on the Financial Times for 19 years writing mainly about media and communication issues. Presented television series on the media, Hard News on Channel 4 and Media Monthly on Sky News and has made documentaries for radio and television. Regular columns include Television, Mediatel and InPublishing Books include The Good, The Bad and the Unacceptable on press standards and Greenfinger on Michael Green and Carlton Communications. Born 31/1/46 in Larne Co Antrim, Educated Queens University Belfast and the Open University . Married with two grown up children, both working in the media. Interests include tennis, chess, opera and supporting Queens Park Rangers. Awarded OBE 2000