- David Plowright
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David Ernest Plowright, CBE (11 December 1930, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire – 24 August 2006, Prestbury, Cheshire) was an English television executive and producer.[1]
Plowright was educated at Scunthorpe Grammar School. He began his career in journalism as a reporter on the Scunthorpe Star, and was, briefly, the equestrian correspondent of the Yorkshire Post. He joined Granada Television in 1957, and rose to be Controller of Programmes from 1969 to 1979. Plowright succeeded Denis Forman to become Chairman of Granada Television in 1987.[1] He was forced out in 1992 by Gerry Robinson, the new chief executive,[2] which led to John Cleese describing Robinson as an "upstart caterer". Plowright's exit was regarded as a turning point in the process whereby ITV gave profits a bigger priority than programme quality.[2]
At Granada, Plowright was a vigorous defender of the often controversial current affairs programme, World in Action. Under his leadership, dramas such as Brideshead Revisited and The Jewel In The Crown became spectacular successes for the company.[2]
Plowright was the younger brother of actress Dame Joan Plowright. He married Brenda Key in 1953. She survives him, as do their son and two daughters.
References
- ^ a b "Who Was Who". A & C Black. June 1, 2008. http://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/article/oupww/whowaswho/U31021. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
- ^ a b c "David Plowright obituary". The Telegraph. 30 August 2006. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1527549/David-Plowright.html. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
External links
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