David Plowright | |
|---|---|
| Born | David Ernest Plowright 11 December 1930 Scunthorpe,Lincolnshire, England |
| Died | 24 August 2006(2006-08-24) (aged 75) |
| Occupation(s) | Television executive, producer |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Joan Plowright (sister) |
David Ernest PlowrightCBE (11 December 1930 – 24 August 2006) was a British television executive andproducer.[1]
Plowright was educated atScunthorpe Grammar School. He began his career in journalism as a reporter on theScunthorpe Star, and was, briefly, the equestrian correspondent of theYorkshire Post. He joinedGranada Television as news editor in 1957.[2]
Plowright rose to become Controller of Programmes from 1969 to 1979, and he succeededDenis Forman first as managing director, and then Chairman of Granada Television in 1987.[1] The outlook of Granada TV, under the leadership of Foreman and Plowright was described as "non-conformist, alternative, non-London".[2] He easily steered Granada through 1991 ITV franchise auctions by threatening to sellCoronation Street, Granada's signature show and one of the channel's biggest assets, to satellite television if their bid was rejected. Plowright was forced out in 1992 byGerry Robinson, the new chief executive,[3] which led toJohn 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.[3]
At Granada, Plowright was a defender of the often controversial current affairs programme,World in Action. Under his leadership, dramas such asBrideshead Revisited andThe Jewel In The Crown became successes for the company.[3]
In 1993, Plowright, with the support and backing of theUniversity of Salford established the Nations and Regions Media Conference (now Salford International Media Festival) to champion the cause of regional broadcasters and producers. He believed the nations and regions of the United Kingdom should have a bigger share in the production and decision-making processes of the major broadcasters.
Plowright was the younger brother of actressJoan Plowright, who was married toLaurence Olivier. The connection led to Olivier appearing in several Granada drama productions, includingBrideshead Revisited. Plowright married Brenda Key in 1953; they had a son and two daughters.
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