( John Reith 1889–1971)
a Scottish broadcaster who became the first general manager of the BBC . He began his career in industry, but joined the BBC in 1922. During his period as general manager (1927–38) he set high standards in public service broadcasting , believing that the BBC had a responsibility to inform, educate and entertain the public. He also helped to keep it free from government control. Reith was a government minister during World War II and was made a life peer in 1940.