Newsround was the brainchild of Edward Barnes, the then BBC deputy head of children’s programmes, who had already helped to create Blue Peter.
At the time, the early evening news followed BBC One’s children’s shows. “A lot of it was unsuitable for children,” recalls Barnes. “They were getting a half digested knowledge of what was happening in the world. I felt we could do these stories in a way that children could come to terms with.”
From the start, Newsround’s mission was to explain world events to a young audience. But the idea was not universally popular. “Many people thought it would be an assault on innocent eyes and ears,” says Barnes.
Fortunately, Barnes received backing from departmental boss Monica Sims, BBC One controller Paul Fox, and head of TV news Derrick Amoore. Amoore’s support was crucial, giving Newsround access to the BBC’s vast newsgathering operation. With Barnes installed as editor, the programme gained a presenter – and a name – when John Craven signed up.
The first John Craven’s Newsround (as it was then known) was broadcast on 4 April 1972. Craven went on to present more than 3,000 bulletins until he left the show in 1989.
“John was absolutely pivotal to its success,” says Barnes. “He was a journalist by trade and understood children.”