Paxman, Jeremy (1950- )

English journalist and broadcaster. Known for his assertive presentation of current affairs programmes, including Tonight (1977-79), Panorama (1979-85), and Newsnight (from 1989), he has also compered a revived series of University Challenge (from 1994).

His publications include A Higher Form of Killing (1982), Through the Volcanoes (1985), Friends in High Places (1990), and The English (1999).

Paxman was born in Leeds, and educated at Cambridge where he edited a student newspaper. He became a journalist in Northern Ireland before entering television as a presenter.