Ian Hislop

About

Ian Hislop

Ian Hislop is the Editor of Private Eye, though he is perhaps more widely known as the team captain and the only person to have appeared in every single episode of over 50 series of Have I Got News For You. The show has won numerous awards and has frequently made headlines itself. In his own right, Ian has received the highest honour from the British Society of Magazine Editors and has become a popular broadcaster, writing and presenting documentaries on history, politics, art, and religion.

In addition to his roles on HIGNFY and at Private Eye, Ian frequently appears on TV and radio as both a commentator and guest. His extensive list of credits incorporates Question Time, the Professionals version of University Challenge, and The One Show. His own programmes have explored topics such as fake news, the scout movement, taxation, and the nation’s railways. He has also compared modern and historical views of immigration, bankers, and benefits.

Arguably Britain’s best-known satirist, Ian initially penned sketches for Spitting Image and Harry Enfield before turning his hand to screenplays. He co-wrote the BBC sitcom My Dad’s The Prime Minister, as well as the film The Wipers Times, a personal passion project examining the satirical paper produced by soldiers in the First World War.

In after-dinner speeches, the most sued man in Britain shares the joys of litigation and might also recount his ill-fated attempts to drive overseas sales of Private Eye—a lesson in how not to conquer the export trade.