Presenter Dimbleby gets honorary doctorate

The Question Time host became a doctor of letters at the University of Brighton (Getty Images)

BBC presenter David Dimbleby was awarded an honorary doctorate today.

The Question Time host became a doctor of letters at the University of Brighton for his contribution to broadcast journalism and cultural understanding.

Dimbleby, 70, received his award from Pro-Vice-Chancellor Colin Monk during graduation ceremonies at the Brighton Dome.

He told graduates they would have a tough time finding employment in the current economic climate, but added: "By graduating at this university, you will have as good a chance as any."

Earlier, he said: "I admire what the University of Brighton stands for, the wide range of subjects it teaches and the part it plays in the community."

Mr Monk said: "David is the most talented public broadcaster of our generation. There can hardly be a household in the nation that is not familiar with his outstanding work."

Born in 1938, Dimbleby was educated at Glengorse School, Battle, East Sussex, and Charterhouse.

He studied politics, philosophy and economics at Christ Church College, Oxford, where he also edited the student magazine, Isis.

After graduating, he joined the BBC as a news reporter in Bristol and appeared in network programmes from 1962.

During his BBC career he has presented Panorama, 24 Hours, People and Power, The Dimbleby Talk-In and This Week Next Week.

He wrote and presented the award-winning TV series The White Tribe of Africa and An Ocean Apart and more recently he presented How We Built Britain, in which he explored the buildings that define the nation.

Dimbleby has also been the commentator for a wide range of special outside broadcast events for BBC television including the State Opening of Parliament, Trooping the Colour and the Remembrance events at the Cenotaph.

He commentated at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, and during the funeral of the Queen Mother, as well as for the BBC's programmes to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Queen in 2002.

He has chaired BBC One's Question Time since January 1994.