Will Wyatt

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Forenames(s): Will
Family name: Wyatt
Work area/Craft/Role: BBC Producer, Head Of Department, MD BBC TV and Chief Executive BBC Broadcast
Industry: , TV, Radio
Company: BBC
Interview no: 806
Interview date(s): 26 January 2022
Interviewer(s): Nick Gilbey with Sue Malden
Camera: Rod Thomas
Production Media: video
Duration (mins): 125
  • Will Wyatt was born on 7 January 1942. Wikipedia+2IMDb+2

  • His birth name is Alan Will Wyatt. Wikipedia

  • He was born in Oxford, England. Wikipedia

  • He was educated at Magdalen College School, Oxford, and later won a scholarship to Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Wikipedia+1


Career in Broadcasting & the BBC

  • Wyatt began his career as a trainee journalist at the Sheffield Telegraph. Wikipedia+1

  • He joined BBC Radio News as a sub-editor in 1965, then moved into television. Wikipedia+1

  • In television he worked in the Presentation Department, producing programmes such as Points of View, The Fifties, Storyteller, and Late Night Line-Up. Wikipedia+1

  • He edited and created shows like Edition and The Book Programme, and produced various documentaries including All the Buildings Fit to Print. Wikipedia+1

  • From 1981 to 1988 he was Head of Documentary Features, overseeing a number of documentary series. Wikipedia+1

  • In 1991 he became Managing Director of BBC Network Television, and later (1996–1999) Chief Executive of BBC Broadcast, overseeing multiple BBC radio and TV operations and launching digital initiatives. Wikipedia+1

  • He was a deputy to the Director-General John Birt during key reform periods of the BBC. Wikipedia+1


Later Activities & Honors

  • Wyatt retired from the BBC at the end of 1999. Wikipedia+1

  • After retirement, he served as Chairman of the London Institute, helping transition the constituent colleges into what is now the University of the Arts London. Wikipedia

  • He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2000 Birthday Honours. Wikipedia

  • He served as President of the Royal Television Society from 2000 to 2004. Wikipedia

  • He has published several books, among them The Fun Factory: A Life in the BBC, a memoir and inside account of his time in broadcasting. Google Books+2Wikipedia+2

  • In 2007 he published the Wyatt Report, investigating issues around the editing of a BBC documentary series involving the Queen. Wikipedia

  • More recently, his memoir Oxford Boy – A Post-War Townie Childhood was published, reflecting on his upbringing. Wikipedia


Personal Life

  • Wyatt married Jane Bridgit Bagenal in April 1966. Wikipedia

  • They have two daughters (and a granddaughter). Wikipedia

  • His interests include walking (especially in hills), horse racing, opera, theatre, and he is a member of the Garrick Club. Wikipedia

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