Broadcasting legend Tim Marshall OBE receives honorary doctorate from BNU

Legendary TV producer and supporter of media education Tim Marshall OBE has today (Tuesday 23 July) been made an Honorary Doctor in a graduation ceremony at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU). Tim is recognised by BNU for his incredible media career as well as his charitable work and contributions to the education sector.  

As a broadcaster, Tim has held the roles of studio manager at BBC Radio, Head of BBC TV Outside Broadcast Events and Entertainments, and Vice-President at Walt Disney, responsible for Global Branded TV Production. Tim has received BAFTA and Royal Television Society recognition for his productions and commitment to the industry.  

But as well as his media achievements, Tim has been an active and engaged supporter of BNU for many years, serving as both a committee member and board director. Tim has also supported the University’s School of Creative and Digital industries, especially in its strong connections to industry. 

Tim said: “Buckinghamshire New University has always been close to my heart; its broad and inclusive outlook aligns closely with my own journey. I am truly thrilled to receive this honour, something I will treasure greatly.” 

Explaining why Tim was chosen for this special honour, Doctor Russel Stone, Head of School for Creative and Digital Industries at BNU, said: “Tim is a great advocate and supporter of the Film and TV Production programmes in the school. All of his experience from his stellar production career is channelled into the masterclasses he regularly provides to our students. We are continually influenced and informed by Tim’s expert knowledge and look forward to benefitting further from his ongoing relationship with the school.”    

Tim is credited as instrumental in bringing Royal Television Society events to BNU, where students have produced three filmed shows with a live audience, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience of multi-camera television production which they can take into their future careers. 

Tim has also acted as sole producer and creative director of two very significant University events: the Inaugural RAF Central Band Concert and Sunset Ceremony in 2022, and the follow-up concert in 2023. Both events greatly supported relationship building between the local communities and the University’s outpost Missenden Abbey, with people from the local area, charitable organisations with RAF supporters and veterans attending, and raising the profile of the University’s work within the RAF and the RAF Benevolent Fund. 

Tim’s career is marked with a series of high-profile projects. He is particularly proud of his work producing the live coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s state visit to China in 1986. The visit marked the first British monarch to set foot in China. 

Tim said: “As producer/director it was logistically challenging as I was directing Chinese crews through an interpreter live on BBC TV – transmissions came from Tiananmen Square, Great Wall at Badaling and Shanghai. The tour was a critical piece of diplomacy, especially given the ongoing negotiations between the UK and the People’s Republic of China over the return of Hong Kong.” 

Tim also acted as Executive Producer for the BBC of the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute which was a co-production concert with global talent staged on 11 June 1988 at Wembley Stadium and broadcast live to 67 countries with an audience of over 600 million. The concert marked the upcoming 70th birthday (18 July 1988) of the imprisoned anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela. The concert was also referred to as Freedomfest, Free Nelson Mandela Concert and Mandela Day. 

Both the live production of the state visit to China, and Nelson Mandela’s birthday tribute were nominated for BAFTAs.  

Among other accolades, Tim is recognised for his contribution to UK research and education through his work with the Jisc group of companies, firstly as CEO of Janet (UK), the company responsible for one of the UK’s advanced digital networks, then as Executive Director, Jisc Membership and Sales, and CEO of the newly formed Jisc Commercial Ltd.  

CEO of Jisc, Heidi Fraser-Krauss: “We at Jisc would like to send our congratulations to Tim for his well-deserved honorary doctorate. His pivotal role has helped to shape Jisc’s journey, as we continue to improve lives through the digital transformation of education and research.”