Trethowan, (James) Ian (Raley) (1922–1990)

English journalist, broadcaster, and administrator. After becoming a successful and respected newscaster with ITN 1956–61, he moved to the BBC as their main political commentator. In 1968 he was appointed managing director of BBC radio, when the former Home, Light, and Third programmes became Radio 1, 2, 3, and 4. He returned to BBC television as managing director 1976–77, and director general from 1977 until his retirement in 1982.

Trethowan was born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and educated at Christ's Hospital. He left school at the age of 16 to take a shorthand and typing course, and became an office boy at the Daily Sketch. Moving to Yorkshire, he became a reporter on the Yorkshire Post. He served in the Fleet Air Arm during World War II, and returned to the Yorkshire Post as its political correspondent before joining ITN.