#EMMA SUPPORTER
Sir Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson was born on 31 July 1957 in London, Britain. He is a distinguished British and American media executive renowned for his transformative leadership in global journalism and broadcasting. Mark was the force behind the BBC broadcasting the EMMA show from 2001 and understood the Multicultural aspects of the Creative Industry, which EMMA defined for many years, by the BBC working on the EMMAs it helped them to broadcast the 2012 Multicultural London Olympic Games. EMMA was the catalyst to have this event staged in 2012 Britain.
Mark was raised in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, he is the son of Duncan John Thompson, an accountant from Preston, and Sydney Corduff, an Irishwoman from County Donegal. Tragically, his father passed away when Mark was just twelve years old.
Mark’s formative education was at Stonyhurst College, a Jesuit institution in Lancashire, which instilled in him a strong foundation in critical thinking and ethics. He then pursued English at Merton College, Oxford, where he graduated with a first-class degree in 1979. During his time at Oxford, he edited the university magazine, Isis, showcasing his early engagement with media and communication. This clearly served him well as he pursued this path on a larger platform. Embarking on his career at the BBC in 1979 as a production trainee, Mark established himself as a rising star within the broadcasting world.
He contributed to programs such as “Watchdog,” “Breakfast Time,” and “London Plus,” eventually becoming output editor for “Newsnight” in 1985. Newsnight show is the BBC flagship current affairs programme that is broadcast daily.
By 1988, Mark was appointed editor of the “Nine O’Clock News,” and later joined the team at “Panorama.” His leadership capabilities led to his appointment as head of features in 1990, head of factual programs in 1992, and controller of BBC Two in 1996. In 2000, he became the BBC’s director of television, overseeing a broad range of programming and strategic initiatives. It was then he pushed to have EMMA broadcast on BBC with the support of Jane Root who was the controller for BBC 2, the EMMA point of contact became Jon Beazley, in light entertainment.
In 2002, Mark took on the role of chief executive at Channel 4, where he successfully revitalized the broadcaster’s financial standing by blending popular reality shows with high-quality dramas, news, and documentaries. His tenure at Channel 4 was marked by a commitment to innovation and creative excellence.
Returning to the BBC in 2004 as director-general, Mark became the longest-serving individual in that position since the 1970s. His leadership was pivotal in steering the BBC into the digital era, notably through the development of the BBC iPlayer, which revolutionized on-demand viewing. He also oversaw the expansion of the BBC’s digital services and strengthened its regional presence by establishing production centers in Glasgow and Salford.
During Mark’s tenure, the BBC delivered acclaimed programming, including “Doctor Who,” “Strictly Come Dancing,” “Life on Mars,” and “The Frozen Planet.” This culminated in the BBC’s comprehensive coverage of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics, events that showcased the organisation’s broadcasting prowess from its EMMA experience.
In 2012, Mark took on the role of president and CEO of The New York Times Company. Under his leadership, the company underwent a significant digital transformation, resulting in a substantial increase in online subscriptions and a robust digital-first strategy. His tenure solidified The New York Times’ position as a leading global news organisation in the digital age
After stepping down from The New York Times in 2020, Mark was appointed chairman of the board of directors at Ancestry.com, the world’s largest for-profit genealogy company. His commitment to public service media continued as he co-chaired the International Fund for Public Interest Media and served as deputy chair of the Royal Shakespeare Company. In recognition of his contributions to media, Mark was knighted in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.
In October 2023, Mark assumed the role of chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, bringing his extensive experience to one of the world’s leading news organisations. His vision for CNN emphasises the importance of accurate, trustworthy news in an era of rapid change and digital disruption.
Beyond his executive roles, Mark is an accomplished author, with his 2016 book, “Enough Said: What’s Gone Wrong with the Language of Politics?” offering a critical examination of political discourse and advocating for more constructive public dialogue.
Mark’s personal life reflects his values; he is a Roman Catholic, married to Jane Blumberg, with whom he has three children.
Mark’s career is a testament to his dedication to innovation, quality journalism, and the evolution of media in the digital age. This was clearly seen with his drive to broadcast EMMAs nationally.
