About Stephen R.W. Francis

Stephen R.W. Francis is an author, historian, and businessman known for leading companies in crisis. The son of Sir Richard Francis, the renowned BBC director and broadcaster, Stephen draws on a rich legacy of media insight. His new book, The BBC’s Last Warrior-Statesman, explores his father’s career and delves into the complex and often tumultous relationship between the broadcaster and successive governments vying for control and censorship.

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About stephen r.w francis

about me

I was born and raised in London to parents Beate and Richard ‘Dick’ Francis, later Sir Richard, and whilst at Oxford University I competed in the 1980 Boat Race and, infamously and uniquely since the race began in 1829, I collapsed unconscious towards the end of the race, yet still took home a winners’ gold medal. My business career began in the City, later focusing on turning around struggling companies, and I have since held CEO and CFO roles for over 25 years. Though semi-retired, I remain active in business, chairing a healthcare services group, and splitting my time between France and our family home in Hampshire.

Sir richard francis | BBC

Richard 'Dick' Francis

My father, Dick Francis, later Sir Richard, was a larger-than-life BBC broadcaster who rode the wave of the BBC’s golden age. He reached the top, was sacked controversially, and yet bounced back. He was the master of the big TV events of his time.

From the UK General and US Presidential Elections to the coverage of the Apollo landings and the Troubles, he became one of the BBC’s most powerful voices, stoutly defending public service broadcasting and the BBC against its many enemies—some within the BBC itself.

The BBC’s Last Warrior-Statesman

Find out more about Stephen's new book, out now.