[2] He subsequently worked at the BBC (where he created Timewatch and edited Newsnight), and as director of programmes at Channel 4, commissioning the first series of Big Brother.
[6] In January 2008, he began a three-year term on the board of Ofcom,[7] the independent regulatory authority for the UK communications industries.
[8] His achievements included the construction of a new library and the St Anne's Coffee Shop (STACS), and the strengthening of college finances, academic performance, and outreach efforts.
[citation needed] In early 2016, Gardam announced that he would be stepping down as principal at the end of the academic year, in order to become chief executive of the Nuffield Foundation.
[11] Gardam was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to journalism and education.