Sir David’s entry in to the Radio Times Hall of Fame recognises his monumental contribution to broadcasting spanning six decades; he is only man to have won Baftas for programmes made in black and white, colour, HD and 3D. The gala event hosted by Kirsty Young, saw Sir David take a sweeping tour of his six decades in broadcasting, from the poles to the tropics, discuss his time as Controller of BBC Two, reveal how he once dressed the Queen, make an impassioned defence of the BBC licence fee and receive a standing ovation from the 1,200 strong audience.
Looking back on his career Sir David said: “I have been unbelievably lucky. I have spent my life looking at all these fabulous things. The reason that the programmes I make are popular, such as they are, is because these things are fabulous and beautiful. They're what the programmes are about, not me. I get a lot of reflected glory and I'm grateful for it but I know where the credit lies.”
Sir David was presented with a bespoke framed Radio Times Hall of Fame cover by Radio Times Editor Ben Preston who said he had “raised the bar for all broadcasters”.
Introducing Sir David to the stage as "the best person alive" Preston added: "He is a man who epitomises quality television itself. He has informed, educated and entertained us all."
The gala evening marked the opening of the first Radio Times Festival celebrating the best of TV, radio and literature on The Green at Hampton Court Palace. Guest speakers and featured programmes over the weekend include David Walliams, Peter Capaldi, Lynda La Plante, Jon Snow, Shaun the Sheep, Sir Bruce Forsyth, Helen Boaden, Tracy Borman, Russell T Davies, Sue Vertue, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, The Women of Sherlock – including Una Stubbs, Louise Brealey and Amanda Abbington, Wolf Hall, Doctor Who, Gogglebox, Peaky Blinders and Poldark.
Hosted by Radio Times, in association with Brand Events, Radio Times Festival will give festival-goers the inside scoop on how great television and radio is made, straight from those in-front of, and behind, the cameras and microphones, say the publishers.
