George Scott (broadcaster)


George Edwin Scott, was a British author, television commentator, broadcaster, journalist and Liberal Party politician. He was Editor of The Listener for 5 years.

Background

Scott was born the son of George Benjamin Scott and Florence Hilda Scott. He was educated at Middlesbrough High School and New College, Oxford from 1946-48. From 1943-46 he served in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. In 1947 he married Shelagh Maud Isobel Maw. They had two sons.

Professional career

Scott was a journalist who worked on the Northern Echo 1941–42, Yorkshire Post 1942–43 and the Daily Express 1948–53. He moved to work on the periodical Truth in 1953. He became Deputy Editor in 1954 and Editor from 1954–57, when it ceased publication. In 1956 his auto-biographical work 'Time and Place' was published. He became a television broadcaster, first as a member of the Panorama team, 1958–59. He was Chairman/Interviewer for Television Wales and the West 1959–67. He had spells working at Rediffusion 1966–68 and Tyne-Tees 1970–74. He returned to journalism to work for The Economist from 1970–74. He wrote 'Rise and Fall of the League of Nations' in 1973. He was Editor of The Listener from 1974-79. He was Presenter of The Editors on the BBC 1976–79. He was Head of the UK Offices of the EEC 1979–87. He was Special Adviser, Commission of the European Communities from 1987-88.

Political career

Scott was Chairman of the Political Division of the Liberal Party 1962–63. He was Liberal candidate for the Middlesbrough East division at the 1962 by-election. He was Liberal candidate for the Middlesbrough West division at the 1962 by-election. He was Liberal candidate for the Wimbledon division at the 1964 General Election. He was Liberal candidate for the South West Surrey division at the 1983 General Election. He did not stand for parliament again.

Electoral record