Grade takes BBC chair

net1

Michael Grade started work on Monday as the new Chairman of the BBC. He was appointed last month following the resignation of the former Chairman Gavyn Davies in the wake of the Hutton Report. One of his first tasks will be to lead the BBC governors in finding a replacement for Greg Dyke as the corporation's DG. Grade confirmed they were determined to appoint a new director general "as soon as possible".

He looks likely to continue Dyke's open door policy, starting his new role with a chatty e-mail to staff urging them to "give me a shout" if they see him around the building.

Another item of immediate concern is the BBC's charter review document, which is due to be submitted to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport by the end of June. "We cannot take our privileged position as a 'cherished institution' for granted; we need to make a compelling case for the BBC to be allowed to continue as the unique, vibrant and creative organisation we know it to be," said Grade.