About John Thompson
Lived 1928 – 2017 (aged 88). John Thompson was a British journalist.
John Brian Thompson (8 June 1928 – 18 May 2017) was a British journalist and radio regulator who was influential in the development of independent radio in the United Kingdom, becoming known as "the father of independent radio". He had a career on The Daily Express and The Observer, where he was early editor of the colour magazine, from 1972 to 1987.
Background Thompson was born in Bangor, County Down, to Lilian (nee Sutton) and John Thompson, and was eight years old when he moved with his family moved to south London. He was educated at St Paul's School, and went on to read history at Pembroke College, Oxford. On his retirement from the IBA he was honoured with a Fellowship at the Radio Academy.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in John Thompson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Thompson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Thompson?
British journalist
When was John Thompson born?
John Thompson was born on 8 June 1928 in Bangor.
When did John Thompson die?
John Thompson died on 18 May 2017.
What was John Thompson's occupation?
John Thompson was a journalist.
What nationality was John Thompson?
John Thompson was British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Thompson (journalist)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Thompson. https://biography.guide/john-thompson-journalist/
MLA: "John Thompson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-thompson-journalist/.
Chicago: "John Thompson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-thompson-journalist/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:17 UTC