Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Jon Snow didn't take a job with the 'boring' BBC because he's 'a rebel, a maverick'

He also gave his opinion on Channel 4's latest BBC poach, Jeremy Paxman

Jenn Selby
Wednesday 25 February 2015 12:03 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jon Snow said he didn’t find it “remotely difficult” to reject the BBC’s offer that would have seen him move from anchoring the Channel 4 News to fronting the One O'Clock slot.

“I'm a maverick, a rebel,” he told PA. “I question everything. Because I work at Channel 4, I have no fixed points to prevent me asking anything. I couldn't do those things at the BBC.”

Unlike the Home Office-approved, NHS-supported trial of skunk he took part in ahead of Channel 4’s Drugs Live programme in March – a weed smoking experience, he said, that left him “utterly bereft”.

Elsewhere during the interview, Snow went on to praise Channel 4’s latest BBC poach, Jeremy Paxman. The former Newsnight presenter has been drafted on to the team ahead of the channel’s upcoming General Election coverage.

“I admire old Paxo,” he said. “I thought it was a real coup. I was thrilled.

“He is the very best thing that's ever come along. We're not mates, but we're perfectly friendly. He's part of the national iconography.”

This could all be scuppered, however, if reports that Paxman is set to replace Sir Malcolm Rifkind as Kensington MP turn out to be true.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in