Roly Keating

Roly Keating. Roland "Roly" Keating is a British cultural leader and former television executive, best known for his long career at the BBC and his subsequent tenure as Director of the British Library. He served as Controller of BBC Two from 2004 to 2008, overseeing a period of significant creative output, before moving to lead the British Library from 2012 to 2023, where he championed digital access and major capital projects. His career bridges major British public institutions in broadcasting and knowledge preservation.

Early life and education

Born in London, Keating was educated at the independent Dulwich College before reading English literature at Magdalen College, Oxford. At Oxford, he was actively involved in student theatre and journalism, editing the university newspaper Cherwell. His early interests in media and narrative were shaped during this period, leading him to pursue a career in broadcasting shortly after graduating.

Career at the BBC

Keating joined the BBC as a news trainee in 1983, quickly moving into documentary production. He worked on prestigious strands like Arena and The Late Show, establishing a reputation for thoughtful, arts-focused programming. He rose through the ranks to become Editor of The Late Show and later Head of BBC Arts, where he commissioned innovative series. In 2004, he was appointed Controller of BBC Two, succeeding Jane Root. During his tenure, he oversaw acclaimed programmes such as The Apprentice, The Catherine Tate Show, and Coast, while also championing landmark documentaries and sustaining the channel's commitment to arts and culture. He later served as the BBC's first Director of Archive Content, where he developed strategies for digitising and exploiting the corporation's vast archives.

Director of the British Library

In September 2012, Keating was appointed Chief Executive of the British Library, succeeding Dame Lynne Brindley. His appointment marked a shift from broadcasting to the stewardship of one of the world's greatest research libraries. He spearheaded the library's major capital project, the St Pancras campus redevelopment, and placed a strong emphasis on digital innovation, including the UK Web Archive and the Living with Machines research project. Under his leadership, the library expanded its public programming with exhibitions on subjects like Harry Potter and Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms, significantly increased its digital collections, and navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He announced his retirement in early 2023, concluding an eleven-year tenure focused on making the library's collections more accessible nationally and globally.

Other roles and activities

Beyond his primary roles, Keating has held several prominent positions in the cultural sector. He served as a trustee of the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal National Theatre. He is a former Chair of the The Space, a digital arts service developed by the BBC and Arts Council England. Keating has also been a member of the Council of the Royal College of Art and has served on advisory boards for institutions like the University of the Arts London. He frequently contributes to public discourse on libraries, archives, and the digital future of cultural heritage.

Personal life

Keating married television executive Jane Root, former Controller of BBC Two, in 1990; they have two children. The couple are known for their deep connections within the British media and cultural landscape. His interests include literature, history, and the arts, reflecting his lifelong professional passions. He was appointed a Knight Bachelor in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to literature and libraries.

Category:1961 births Category:Living people Category:British librarians Category:British television executives Category:Alumni of Magdalen College, Oxford Category:People educated at Dulwich College Category:Directors of the British Library Category:Knights Bachelor