Paul Fox

Biography

Sir Paul Leonard Fox (1925–2024) was a highly influential British television executive whose career spanned over five decades with both the BBC and independent television.

Early Life and Background

Born in Germany, Paul Fox was sent to the UK on a Kindertransport in 1938, following the early death of his father. He was educated in Bournemouth. During the Second World War, he served in the Parachute Regiment from 1943 to 1946, and was wounded in the arm during the Rhine crossings in 1944. After demobilization, he initially pursued a career in journalism before moving into television.

BBC and Controller of BBC One

Fox began his long broadcasting career at the BBC in the 1950s, starting in the news department and then creating and editing the popular sports program, Sportsview. In 1954, he created the concept for the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

He rose through the ranks, becoming Editor of the current affairs program Panorama and later Head of Public Affairs. His most prominent role was as the Controller of BBC One from 1967 to 1973, one of the longest tenures for that position. During his time, he oversaw the channel's transition to full color service in 1969.

His lasting legacy at BBC One includes the commissioning and launch of several enduring, popular programs, including:

Dad's Army

The Two Ronnies

The Generation Game

Parkinson (the talk show)

Later Career and Honors

In 1973, Fox moved to independent television, joining Yorkshire Television (YTV) as Head of Programs, and later served as the company's Managing Director from 1977 to 1988. He was a prominent figure during a major industrial dispute involving the ACTT trade union and ITV companies in 1979.

He returned to the BBC in 1988 as Managing Director of BBC Television until his retirement in 1991. For his services to the industry, he was appointed a CBE in 1985 and was knighted in 1991. In his later life, he served in several roles related to horse racing and was a television commentator.