Michael Grade New BBC Chairman

Michael Grade axed Doctor Who didn't he? Oh well Doctor Who fans have a long wait again then

Eddie Mair on BBC Radio Four's PM programme asked Mr Grade, in the final question of the interview, if he'll cancel Doctor Who again.

Mr Grade joked "it's the sole purpose of my coming here" and then seriously said that the future of Doctor Who is absolutley nothing to do with the board of governers these matters are entirely up the executive (i.e. Contorllers and the DG etc)

So there we have it, he said it's none of his business

Where was the building he held the press conference with the view of the atrium with all the people leaning over the balconies clapping?

The new home of BBC Broadcast at White City.

Is BBC Broadcast a good thing or bad thing as a whole?

Depends how successful they are at attracting new business

And given all the fuss they made in ariel when the won the contract for.....

BBC Prime

It's not looking to good

I think it's wrong to suggest a lack of journalistic experience would by a flaw in Grade's character. When the dust settles, you'll find that the properly defined role of the Governors will be to form 'rounded judgements' on complaints received against the organisation, plus of course being involved in strategy. They (probably 3 of them) would have to listen to the arguments put forward by the Head of News (if there's a news complaint,) take a neutral view, and then decide a response. Then a further 3 could form a kind of 'appeals board.' This would make the BBC much more open and accounable.

As for a DG having journalistic experience, I also disagree. There are Heads of News who specialise in this area. As long as a DG is wise enough to be advised by a Head of News, he can largely leave them to get on with it. Dyke's main flaw was getting personally involved in Hutton when he clearly new little about the Journalism.

At the end of the day, the BBC's about making programmes. And that's what a new DG should be about.