Peter Orton 1943-2007

Peter Orton, the founder of children's TV producer, HIT Entertainment, has died at the age of 64. There are obituaries in The Times, The Independent and from Simon Forrest in The Guardian.

At its height, HIT Entertainment, was one of the leading international producers of preschool children's programming, second only to Disney and Warner Brothers. Apart from Bob, the stable of characters included Thomas the Tank Engine, Pingu, Sooty, Kipper, Brambly Hedge, Fireman Sam and Captain Pugwash. Peter's strength was knowing what would appeal, combined with an excellent business brain. He also knew enough about his own shortcomings to surround himself with experts. As he said, he couldn't draw, wasn't really creative, not especially numerate, but he hired people who were.