Michael Grade becomes BBC Chairman today...
Michael Grade today became the Chairman of the BBC.
His appointment for a four year term was announced by the Government
last month.
Shortly after he arrived at the BBC White City building he sent an
email to all BBC staff, which he signed Michael. It reads:
"It was a thrill to walk into the building this morning, part
of the BBC team again. All I need to feel fully at home is my ID badge.
"Like everyone who starts a new job - especially
in a big organisation - I must admit to moments of feeling slightly
daunted; so thank you to those I've met in my first couple of hours
for the warm welcome. One of my first priorities is to get around as
much of the BBC and meet as many of you as possible, as soon as possible,
and I don't mean just the London part of the empire. Do give me a shout
if you see me walking around, I'm the one with red socks (but no cigar
these days).
"Preparing to launch our contribution to the debate
about our future, Charter Review, is something else I need to focus
on immediately. I am reassured that work is well advanced and am pleased
to be joining the team as we move to finalise the documents before publication.
"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. I look forward to
leading the defence of the licence fee and the debate about our future
- but I do need everyone who works for the Corporation to play their
part in helping me to get that message across.
"Once we launch our Charter
documents at the end of June, I and others will be out on the road a
lot, talking to various partners - existing and potential, members of
the public and local politicians - so I will make sure I combine those
trips with visits to regional BBC locations and talk to more of you
face-to-face about this and anything else you want to raise.
"Meanwhile, the very first
priority for the Board of Governors will be to recruit a Director-General.
All I can say today is that we are determined to announce the appointment
as soon as possible.
"I do not underestimate the
effect of the recent difficulties on staff and I would like to thank
Caroline Thomson and Stephen Dando for carrying out a sensitive task
with integrity. Those difficulties are now behind us. But it is worth
emphasising that some good came out of the storm, namely that the independence
of the BBC, when tested, enjoys widespread and vocal public support.
That is most heartening.
"I commend everyone for maintaining
the level of commitment throughout all parts of the BBC. My objective
is to focus the Corporation on the future and the future for me starts
today. I relish the prospect, and I know you will all strive to make
my job that much easier by continuing to deliver the fullest public
service of programmes available anywhere in the world. I am more thrilled
than I can say to be part of the BBC's future."
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