Former science journalist and broadcaster Tom Margerison has died at the age of 90.
After joining the Sunday Times in 1961 as its science correspondent, Margerison held a number of jobs in both broadcasting. He retired after contracting Parkinson’s disease in 1997.
Perhaps best remembered as a science reporter on BBC’s Tonight programme in the early 1960s, he also had an illustrious career behind the camera as well.
Margerison became deputy editor of the Sunday Times Magazine at its launch in 1962 and together with others, including David Frost, bid for the weekend ITV franchise. With this bid, he became the first deputy managing director of London Weekend Television. His assoication with LWT ended after a high-profile fallout between himself and a young, ambitious Rupert Murdoch, over proposed changes to the London Weekend schedule.
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Later in his career, he was a founder and science editor of New Scientist Magazine, before moving away from journalism as chairman of Computer Technology Ltd and director of the Nuclear Electricity Information Group.
During the 1940s, his physics department at Sheffield University became crucial to the war effort. After the war, Margerison held strong ties with the Soviet Union and was approached by both the MI5 and the KGB regarding recruitment, both of which he turned down.
He is survived by partner Marjorie and sons Peter and Angus.
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