Category : BBC
Date : 31.03.2004
Printable version
The following
statement was issued today by Richard Ryder, Acting BBC Chairman, to
the Board of Governors and members of the Executive Committee.
"As you know, I have not played a part in selecting
the new BBC Chairman. I am unaware of his, or her, identity.
"You also know that the successful candidate, whose
name will be announced soon, will receive my full support.
"I am exceptionally grateful
to the Board, as well as the Executive under Mark Byford's leadership,
for showing calm as well as strength and unity of purpose throughout
my spell as Acting Chairman.
"In particular, may I thank you all for easing
my task beyond measure with your personal kindness and encouragement.
We have despatched a wealth of business together over
a short period in a spirit of optimism.
"I appreciate the attention
given by the Board and Executive to the Charter Renewal paper due to
be published in June. The quality of this document is key to the future
shape of the BBC.
"I believe the latest ideas and contents, the result
of extensive discussions during the past two months, make its potential
stronger than ever.
"I look forward to continuing
as Vice-Chairman until after the publication of the Charter document
when, as many of you know, I shall retire from the Board to undertake
other commitments which will be hard to combine with BBC duties in London.
"Between now and then, not only am I eager to ensure
that the BBC produces an evolutionary Charter document blending vision
and realism, but I also want us to take any necessary action in the
wake of the Graf review of BBC online services, the first stage of the
Ofcom review of public service television, and the DCMS review of digital
services.
"We all face a busy Spring and Summer under a Chairman
with whom I look forward to working closely, and to whom I shall give
my full support."
Notes to Editors
Richard Ryder has not been
informed of the identity of the new Chairman.
On Tuesday 30 March he told the Secretary of State
of his decision to retire from the Board later this year and stressed
to the Secretary of State that the new BBC Chairman whoever he
or she is will receive his full support.
