Elwyn John Jones (4 May 1923 – 19 May 1982) was a Welsh television writer and producer, who co-created the police drama series Z-Cars for BBC Television in 1962. Later, he devised Softly, Softly (1966–69), Softly, Softly: Taskforce (1969–76), Barlow at Large/Barlow (1971, 1973–75), Jack the Ripper (1973) and Second Verdict (1976). A prolific television drama writer from the early 1960s until the late 1970s; from 1963 to 1966, he was Head of Drama (Series) at the BBC, under Head of Drama Group Sydney Newman, the first person to hold that post after Newman divided the drama group into Series, Serials and Plays divisions.
Early life and education
Jones was born on 4 May 1923, in Cwmaman, Aberdare. His father, Evan Jones, was a local councillor and checkweigher. He attended Cwmaman Boys Council Elementary School from 1930 to 1935, and then Aberdare Boys County School from 1935 to 1942. Afterwards, he studied at the London School of Economics, leaving in 1944.
Career
Jones began his career in journalism; firstly with New Review as a reporter, and then later as features editor. He was there for six years, until the magazine ceased publication in 1950. It was in the 1950s, when he started his association with the BBC, as assistant to the literary editor of the Radio Times, and latterly as Television Editor to 1957.