Alistair Burnett
About Alistair Burnett
Alistair Burnett serves as the Director of News at Sightsavers, a position he has held since 2016. He has a background in journalism, having worked at BBC News in various roles for over a decade, and holds a Master of Arts from the University of Edinburgh.
Current Role at Sightsavers
Alistair Burnett serves as the Director of News at Sightsavers, a position he has held since 2016. In this role, he oversees the organization's news communications, ensuring that key messages and updates are effectively disseminated. His work supports Sightsavers' mission to promote eye health and disability rights globally. Based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, Burnett has contributed to enhancing the visibility of Sightsavers' initiatives through strategic media engagement.
Previous Experience at BBC News
Before joining Sightsavers, Alistair Burnett had an extensive career at BBC News. He worked as the editor for 'The World Tonight' from 2004 to 2014, where he managed news coverage and editorial direction. In 2015, he briefly served as a senior editor at BBC News for two months. Additionally, he held the position of public affairs advisor for a short period in 2014, further contributing to the organization's communication strategies.
Experience at IUCN
In 2016, Alistair Burnett worked as the Communications and Media Manager at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for five months. In this role, he was responsible for managing communications and media relations, focusing on environmental issues and conservation efforts. His experience at IUCN added to his expertise in strategic communication within the non-profit sector.
Educational Background
Alistair Burnett studied at the University of Edinburgh, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy, Psychology, and Language Sciences from 1978 to 1982. This academic background provided him with a strong foundation in critical thinking and communication, which has been beneficial throughout his career in journalism and media.
Early Education
Prior to his university education, Alistair Burnett attended the Elliott School in London from 1973 to 1978. This early education laid the groundwork for his later studies and professional development in the fields of communication and media.