Top journalist given New Year's Honour for decades of service
John Pickford is former Editor in Chief at Bauer Media
A journalist who's spent decades serving his local community, covering some of the biggest stories and events across the UK, is one of the hundreds getting royal recognition from the King.
John Pickford, from Denton in Greater Manchester, began his career at the Stockport Express in 1976 before moving into Broadcasting at Piccadilly Radio in 1979.
Now, after 46 years at Bauer Media, he's retiring as Editor in Chief is and being awarded an MBE for his services to local radio.
"Commercial radio news remains a trusted source of information"
John's name appears on the King's New Year's Honours list as follows:
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - John Pickford. Lately News Editor In Chief, Bauer Media. For services to Broadcasting and Local News. (Manchester, Greater Manchester).
On receiving the recognition John said,
“I see this as recognition of the fact that Commercial radio news remains a trusted source of information for so many people who don’t necessarily listen to speech based radio or watch TV news bulletins.
I personally have been privileged to have reported on part of the history of Manchester and we even helped save lives with campaigns such as Clare’s Law.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "This year's Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain - people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.
"Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you - and congratulations to everyone recognised today."
This year's honours list includes 1,157 recipients.