Robin Scott (BBC controller)
Robin Hugh Scutt
Early career
Born Robin Hugh Scutt, he was educated at Bryanston School and read modern languages at Jesus College, Cambridge, before joining the Intelligence Corps. He was discharged through illness in 1942, and joined the BBC. While in the BBC's French Service he commented on major events, including VE Day and VJ Day. During this time he changed his name to Scott, because his French contacts found his original name difficult to say. He moved into television in the late 1950s, and produced programmes including Miss World, Come Dancing and It's a Knockout. During this time he wrote the song "Softly, Softly", a British number one hit for Ruby Murray. Scott moved to the BBC Paris bureau in 1958, and was seconded to Trans-Europe Television between 1964 and 1966.
Controller of Radio
He was appointed Controller of the
He was succeeded as Controller of Radio 2 and Radio 1 by Douglas Muggeridge.
Controller of BBC2
Scott was appointed Controller of BBC2 television in 1968, succeeding David Attenborough. During his five years in the post, his aim was to secure 15% of the overall viewing audience by balancing highbrow and populist programming. To achieve this aim, he commissioned such memorable programmes as Elizabeth R, The Pallisers, an adaptation of War and Peace, and documentary series including Alistair Cooke's America and Dr. Jacob Bronowski's The Ascent of Man.
Later career
In 1974, Scott was made the head of the forward-planning department Development in Television, a remit that included the prospect of satellite broadcasting. He later became the Deputy Managing Director of Television, the second-most senior post in television.
After he retired from the BBC in October 1980, he was part of an unsuccessful submission to broadcast breakfast television on ITV. He subsequently joined the board of London Weekend Television, and produced television versions of opera and ballet productions for the National Video Corporation.
He was appointed
Sources
- The Guardian newspaper, 9 February 2000, p22
- Radio Rewind
- The Times newspaper, 9 February 2000, p23