Draft:Rajan Datar

Rajan Datar is an award-winning British broadcaster, journalist, conference moderator and musician, known for his extensive television and radio work with the BBC. His journalism career spans several decades during which he has presented and reported on a variety of programs, ranging from travel shows to current affairs and cultural documentaries.

Early Life and Education

Rajan Datar was born in Wimbledon in South London. He studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics as an undergraduate at Brasenose College, Oxford University and then received an MSc in Political Sociology at the London School of Economics. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his career in journalism and broadcasting.

Broadcasting Career

Rajan Datar's later television career is marked by his role as a lead presenter on BBC's "The Travel Show," where he has fronted and written 40 half-hour travelogue specials covering diverse locations such as Mongolia, Cuba, and Uzbekistan. These programs have reached an estimated audience of 73 million viewers both in the UK and internationally. His recent broadcasts include a show on Azerbaijan in December 2023 and a two-part special on Sri Lanka in February 2024. . His first presenting job was on the pioneering “Rough Guide to the World” series on BBC 2 with audiences of up to 6 million in the UK. Datar has also been involved in serious current affairs reporting, including a two-year stint on BBC2's "Newsnight" and five years at "The Money Programme," where he covered major topics like brand wars, the rise of eBay, and the collapse of Enron. His TV career started on a prestigious BBC Trainee scheme for Producer/Directors. He was one of the first British Asian TV presenters on TV in the UK. Rajan Datar has hosted numerous documentaries and shows for BBC Radio 4, including the “Media Show and "Front Row." On May 20th 2024 his three part series on tourism at a crossroads entitled “The Tourist Trap” began airing on BBC Radio 4. He is also the long running host of "Over to You" on the BBC World Service, the world's most listened-to feedback programme, which he has been presenting for 16 years. Additionally, he has presented 40 episodes of "The Forum," a show that discusses broad and complex topics, akin to Radio 4's "In Our Time". His radio career started on the prestigious Local Radio Reporters scheme at the BBC. Rajan Datar is a seasoned moderator, having hosted over 60 global conferences on current affairs the arts and travel and tourism, including events for the Hay Festival and the UNWTO. His role as a moderator extends his influence beyond broadcasting, allowing him to contribute to global discussions on significant cultural and tourism-related issues. Apart from his broadcasting achievements, Rajan Datar is also a musician. He is the co-founder and bass player of Maroon Town, a reggae/ska band that has toured internationally, performing in countries such as Germany, Spain, Jamaica, India, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina. The band were sponsored by Dr Martens to produce an album. Maroon Town have performed in major festivals like Glastonbury and is scheduled to perform at "Boomtown" in 2024. Maroon Town have released five albums and has enjoyed extensive worldwide radioplay. Datar is also involved in a new project titled "Swaggamuffin," which blends blues, dub, and techno styles.

Awards and Recognition Rajan Datar's contributions to journalism and broadcasting have been recognised with several awards. Notably, he was named the Broadcast Travel Journalist of the Year in 2012 at the Business Travel Awards ceremony in London and then at the TravMedia awards. Personal Life Rajan Datar is based in London and continues to engage with audiences through his diverse roles in broadcasting and music. He has two grown up daughters. His career reflects a commitment to exploring and understanding global cultures, which he enthusiastically communicates to his audience through various media platforms