Michael Blakstad


Michael Björn Blakstad FRSA is a television producer and a former Editor of Tomorrow's World on the BBC.

Early life

He was born in Penang in Malaya. He was initially educated in Australia, then North Yorkshire, where he lived. He was an only child. He attended Oriel College, Oxford, where he gained a BA in Classics.

Career

He joined the BBC in 1962. From 1968-71 he was a producer with Yorkshire Television. He won an award in 1974 at the Nyon International Documentary Film Festival, now called the Visions du Réel.

BBC

He became the Series Editor of Tomorrow's World in 1974, during what was the heyday of the series, as electronics became part of the working world. He was also Series Editor of The Burke Special, and The Risk Business, about British industry. At Tomorrow's World, he fell out with the long-established presenter Raymond Baxter, who then left the programme.

Television South

From 1980-84 he was Director of Programmes at Television South, the franchise for the current ITV Meridian region.

Personal life

He married in 1965. His wife came from Cotescue Park, and they live in East Meon. He has a son and twin daughters.