Written by: Lisa Chang

Roy Greenslade: A Renowned British Journalist and Author

Roy Greenslade is a British author and freelance journalist, widely recognized for his years of service in the UK newspaper industry, starting from the 1960s. As a respected media commentator, he has written a daily blog for The Guardian and a column for London's Evening Standard, sharing his insights and analysis on the world of journalism.

Early Life and Career

Roy Greenslade was born on December 31, 1946, to an insurance clerk father and a bookkeeper mother. He spent his early years living with his maternal grandparents in Dulwich before moving to a council house in South Ockendon and later to a bungalow in Leigh-on-Sea. Greenslade's daily commute to Dagenham County High School, where he attended from 1957 to 1963, spanned an impressive 32 miles.

Greenslade's fascination with journalism began at a young age. He started working at the Barking and Dagenham Advertiser at the tender age of 17, where he not only worked as a journalist but also delivered newspapers to newsagents to supplement his low wages. After three years, he joined the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in Blackburn as a subeditor, followed by an 18-month stint as a subeditor at the Manchester office of the Daily Mail.

Rise to Prominence

In 1969, Greenslade entered the prestigious Fleet Street, working as a news subeditor on The Sun, which had just been acquired by Rupert Murdoch. He briefly worked with the Daily Mirror in 1972 before returning to The Sun as deputy chief subeditor. During his time at The Sun, he worked in both the news desk and features department.

Greenslade's writing career took off when he left The Sun in 1974 to write his first book. This move marked the beginning of his journey as a respected author and journalist, with his work being featured in various prominent publications, including The Guardian and London's Evening Standard.

Controversies and Public Perception

In 2021, Greenslade faced controversy when it was reported that he had supported the bombing campaign of the Provisional IRA in the late 1980s. This revelation led to his resignation as Honorary Visiting Professor at City, University of London.

Career Highlights and Major Works

Greenslade has written extensively on the media industry, sharing his insights and analysis on the world of journalism. His daily blog for The Guardian and column for London's Evening Standard are highly regarded for their in-depth coverage of the industry.

Some of his notable works include:

• "The Price of Platinum" (1981), a book that delves into the world of the platinum mining industry
• "Goodbye to the Working Class" (1983), a book that explores the decline of the British working class

Awards and Honors

Greenslade has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to journalism, including the prestigious "What the Papers Say" Award for best newspaper columnist.

Roy Greenslade's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of journalism, and his contributions continue to inspire and influence generations of journalists and media professionals.