Alan Yentob: BBC arts broadcaster dies aged 78

Alan Yentob: BBC arts broadcaster dies aged 78

Renowned BBC arts broadcaster and documentary-maker Alan Yentob has passed away at the age of 78. Throughout his illustrious career, Yentob conducted interviews with influential cultural and creative figures like David Bowie, Charles Saatchi, Maya Angelou, and Grayson Perry for TV programs such as Omnibus, Arena, and Imagine. His contributions to the BBC extended beyond his broadcasting roles, as he also served as the controller of BBC One and Two, as well as the organization’s creative director and head of music and arts.

Described by his wife Philippa Walker as “curious, funny, annoying, late, and creative in every cell of his body,” Yentob was praised for his kindness and passion for his work. BBC director-general Tim Davie hailed him as a “creative force and cultural visionary” who promoted originality, risk-taking, and artistic ambition within the industry. Yentob’s impact reached beyond the BBC, as he formed lasting friendships with notable figures in the entertainment world, including Jay-Z, BeyoncĂ©, Orson Welles, Mel Brooks, and Salman Rushdie.

Yentob’s leadership at BBC Two during the late 1980s marked a significant period for the channel, overseeing the launch of popular programs like Absolutely Fabulous, The Late Show, and Have I Got News for You. Despite facing controversy during his tenure at the BBC, particularly surrounding his role in the financial mismanagement of the charity Kids Company, Yentob’s contributions to British television were widely acknowledged and celebrated. In 2024, he was appointed a CBE for his exceptional services to the arts and media. He leaves behind his wife Philippa Walker and their two children, leaving a lasting legacy in the realms of arts and culture

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