Sir Peter Bazalgette becomes Honorary Professor at The University of Manchester

24 Sep 2019

Sir Peter Bazalgette has been appointed as Honorary Professor of Creative Industries at the University

The TV executive described as “the most influential man in British broadcasting” is joining The University of Manchester, after being appointed as an Honorary Professor of Creative Industries.

Sir Peter Bazalgette has had a huge influence on television broadcasting here in the UK and around the world. Working as an outsider to the major established television producers, he helped to drive the development of the booming independent production sector. He created a number of internationally successful TV formats and wrote a book on the business of TV entertainment (Billion Dollar Game,  Time Warner, 2005).

Sir Peter, who was knighted in 2012 for services to broadcasting, is currently non-executive Chairman of ITV. As well as being the former President of the Royal Television Society, he was previously on the Board of Channel 4, Chief Creative Officer of Endemol and Deputy Chair of the National Film and Television School. He received a Bafta Fellowship in 2000.

He has also been a non-executive director of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Chair of the English National Opera and Chair of Arts Council England. He now serves on the advisory boards of YouGov and BBH and chairs the online retailer, Lovecrafts.

Sir Peter was commissioned by the Government to conduct an independent review into the UK’s Creative Industries for their Industrial Strategy in 2017. He now sits as a non-executive on the board of UK Research & Innovation.

In his new position at the University, Sir Peter will act as an ambassador for Creative Manchester, deliver an open lecture, engage with students at workshops, and participate in other events

“I am delighted to accept this Honorary Professorship,” said Sir Peter. “Building the pipeline of talent to supply the creative workforce is crucial to ensure the continued success of the sector – one of our fastest growing. I greatly look forward to collaborating with staff and students at The University of Manchester.”

“Manchester is already recognised as a creative powerhouse, and Peter’s appointment further strengthens our commitment to champion culture and creativity, nurture talent and ensure an equal place on the economic agenda,” said Professor Alessandro Schiesaro, Head of the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures. “Our students and staff will benefit from his vast experience gained throughout a long and diverse career in the creative industries sector, coupled with his expertise in media, the digital revolution and managing creativity.”