One of the most influential figures in television has been sharing advice with Macclesfield schoolchildren.

Former King's School pupil Michael Jackson flew in from New York to address teachers and pupils at the school's Founders' Day service on Friday, March 27, marking its 524-year anniversary.

Over the course of his career, Michael has served as controller of BBC One and BBC Two, chief executive of Channel 4, president of programming at USA Entertainment, chairman of Universal Television and president of programming for IAC. 

In his address to sixth form pupils at St Michael's Church and later to year 7-11 pupils at King's, Michael spoke of the contrast of his boredom in the 60s and 70s, to the wealth of media and choice today.

He said: "There is so much media that our attention is a scarce and valuable commodity.

"But there are many rich and imaginative as well as entertaining things – if we are prepared to look for them.

"I got the foundations of two crucial skills from King's – curiosity and critical thinking. Both of these have never been more valuable."

Jason Slack and Michael Jackson outside St. Michael's Church (Credit: Supplied)

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Michael attended King's alongside Joy Division singer Ian Curtis and bandmate Stephen Morris, who would go on to form New Order.

After leaving in 1976, Michael studied at the Polytechnic of Central London (renamed the University of Westminster in 1992) and graduated with honours in media studies. 

He would go on to become the first media studies graduate to reach a senior level in the British media. 

Head of King's Foundation Jason Slack said: "Michael delivered an inspiring and alternative perspective in his speech to our students.

"He reassured pupils that one period of our lives does not define us, there is always a second chance for those that remain inquisitive, and our school's history and values remain consistent, to nurture enquiry and problem solving and set them up for a rewarding future.

"We are so pleased Michael was able to join us to mark this important day with his engaging address."