Bill Gates: How a Geek Changed the World

Synopsis

The Money Programme's Fiona Bruce gained exclusive access to Bill Gates as he prepared to step down from full-time involvement with Microsoft in June 2008.

His audacious mission to put 'a computer on every desk and in every home' is now close to a description of modern life. In building his multi-billion dollar company, Gates made himself the richest man in the world, but he has also been dogged by controversy, as his ruthless leadership contributed to Microsoft being sued by the US Government.

In a special one-hour edition of the Money Programme, Fiona Bruce presents the definitive profile of Bill Gates as he embarks on his latest challenge - giving away the billions he has amassed, through the charitable foundation he runs with his wife and his father.

She examines the fortunes of Microsoft as it faces up to competition from internet-based companies. And the programme talks about Gates the man, the businessman and the philanthropist with a who's who of his friends, colleagues and rivals.

Part of the City Season.

Credits

Presenter

Fiona Bruce

Director

Charles Miller

Producer

Charles Miller

Producer

Dan Trelford

Broadcasts

1. Fri 20 Jun 2008
   19:00
   BBC Two (except Scotland, Wales)
2. Sat 21 Jun 2008
   18:00
   BBC Two (Scotland only)
3. Sat 12 Jul 2008
   03:55
   BBC One
4. Mon 26 Jan 2009
   19:00
   BBC Two (England, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland (Analogue) only)