ITV chairman Sir Peter Bazalgette receives honorary doctorate

Sir Peter Bazalgette receives an Honorary Doctorate of Arts Credit: University of Sunderland

ITV chairman Sir Peter Bazalgette has received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Sunderland.

Sir Peter, who is also the man at the helm of Arts Council England and was once named “the most influential figure in British television,” received his award at the Stadium of Light.

Sir Peter, who is a Fellow of Bafta and the Royal Television Society, said: “I'm dead chuffed to get this award from a university that is such a great supporter of creative industries and partner of the Arts Council."

Sir Peter has raised funds for arts and media organisations, notably as chairman of the Crossness Engines Trust (a steam museum) and as deputy chairman of the National Film and Television School. He is also the former chairman of English National Opera.