Michael Barratt was a popular TV presenter who died at the age of 92. He technically reigned on television from 1969 to 1977 by being a TV presenter of the show “Nationwide.” By watching him host the show, one could only conclude that this man is doing what he does best. Michael was born on January 3, 1928, in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire. With his mother dying of tuberculosis when he was just six years old, he had a troubled childhood. Michael’s father was a tax inspector.
From a young age, he knew he would practice Journalism. Thus, After completing his education at Fleetwood (An independent boy’s school), Lancashire and Paisley Grammar school in Scotland, he started his career as a Journalist. Michael’s first stint was with Kemsley Newspaper. Michael was a skillful Journalist with great potential. But unfortunately, this incredible journalist took his last breath in the Thames Hospice in Berkshire on July 10, 2022.
Michael Barratt’s Early Life And Career
After working in the Kemsley newspaper, he moved to Nigeria after being appointed as the assistant editor of the Nigerian Citizen in Zaria. Further, he worked for the Nigerian Broadcasting service that began the program on politics. Michael worked on many regional newspapers. It was the year 1960 when BBC was looking for an early evening TV magazine show. In the show, they wanted to bring together regional news programs for the first time. They ended up developing a show called Nationwide and hired Michael Barratt as the presenter. Nationwide is the show that actually earned him recognition nationwide. He became a national figure. He was not just a presenter but had some editorial powers. In one of the interviews, he said that Derrick (the show’s creator) wanted him to be a coordinator of the show. Through his program, he treated each region seriously. The mix of regions proved to be a smart move, making Michael a star.
Michael Barratt’s Net Worth
It is estimated that Michael Barratt had a net worth of a whopping amount of $10 million at the time of his death. A TV presenter having such a massive amount is shocking, but then Michael had an exceptional career in Journalism. He started his career at the age of 18 with just 18 shillings. He was one of the most familiar faces on British television. We can estimate his success from the fact that top British officials are mourning his death. Much of his fame came from hosting Nationwide from 1969 to 1977. Michael became Radio 4’s Gardeners Question Time chairman in 1973 and remained in the position till 1977.
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Also, he presented Thames TV reporting on London. Not just in presenting, he has worked in films and television. He appeared as himself in the films such as The Magic Christian and The Goodies. Further, he earned massive amounts by publishing several books: Michael Barrett’s Complete Gardening Guide, Michael Barrett, Making the Most of the Media, and Making the Most of Retirement. The TV presenter did not stop there; in 2013, he published his autobiography, “Mr. Nationwide.” Michael Barratt was the icon who will remain the ideal of many budding journalists in the coming years.
