Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Briefly: Bob Longman, BBC's Controller of Engineering and Operations

Thursday 03 February 2011 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bob Longman, who died on 1 December at the age of 83, rose through the ranks at the BBC to become Controller of Engineering and Operations.

The most stressful night of Longmnan's career was the intended launch of BBC2 in 1964, when a power cut meant the new channel had to start the following evening. Later, he was at the heart of the BBC's move to colour, as well as setting up the first transmissions from Parliament, in 1983.

Longman was born in Hull in February 1927, and joined the BBC as a trainee engineer in 1943. He retired in the 1980s to care for his wife, who had multiple sclerosis.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in