Michael Jackson

Leading British television producer and executive, Michael Jackson, returned to the University of Westminster in April 2015, to talk about his illustrious career in television and media.

Regarded as a British media genius, Michael graduated from the University of Westminster (formerly the Polytechnic of Central London) in 1979 after completing a Media Studies BA, where he graduated with a First. Michael Jackson has been Chief Executive of Channel 4, controller of BBC One and BBC Two, Head of BBC Music and Arts and invented the seminal TV series The Late Show and The Media Show.

Michael is one of the first Media Studies graduates to reach a senior level in the British media. He quickly rose to success and was instrumental in kick-starting Channel 4. During his reign, he oversaw a period of critical and commercial acclaim. He was perhaps always destined to run Channel 4 – as an undergraduate, he wrote a thesis outlining what the not-yet-born Channel 4 could do. Jackson brought large audiences to the channel through commissioning shows such as Big Brother, So Graham Norton and Da Ali G Show. He also poached test cricket from the BBC, as well as launching dramas such as Queer As Folk and Longitude. For the last decade and more, Jackson has been a senior TV Executive in the USA.

Michael is a very proud alumnus of the University. Following his alumni lecture on campus in April 2015, he commented: "It is a treat to return to my old college. I know a lot has changed since 1976 – including the name and the location – but I know that the commitment to excellence and critical thinking continues.”