BLAND TO STAY ON UNTIL SUCCESSOR IS APPOINTED

THE BBC have confirmed that following Sir Christopher Bland’s appointment as the new Chairman of BT from May 1, he will stay on as Chairman of the BBC until his successor is appointed.
The BBC Board of Governors encouraged Sir Christopher to remain in his current role until the appointment is made. No 10 Downing Street and Culture Secretary Chris Smith have also said that they are pleased Bland is able to stay on for a few months.
Bland said: "Five years as Chairman of the BBC has been a great privilege. I have met and worked with hundreds of talented BBC people over that time who have made wonderful programmes and content for television, radio and online. I will leave the BBC later this year with a mixture of sadness and great affection.”
Greg Dyke, Director-General of the BBC, said "Christopher has been a strong champion and servant of the public interest and the BBC’s independence in his stewardship over the last five years. I personally, and the BBC generally, are grateful for his firm leadership and wise counsel as Chairman of the BBC Board of Governors. The fact that he is able to continue until his successor is appointed is good news for the BBC. I wish Christopher well for his new challenge at BT." (CD)