BBC Boss, Mark Thompson, Resigns

BBC boss Mark Thompson has confirmed his resignation as director- general after eight years in the position.
Mr Thompson told BBC staff this morning that he would serve the remainder of this term but he would be stepping down in autumn this year.
It is understood that Thompson told Lord Patten that he thought it was right time for him to go after overseeing "the Olympics and the rest of the amazing summer of 2012".
The news perhaps does not come as a surprise as Mr Thompson told Lord Patten, when he became BBC Chairman last year, that there was a strong case for "handing over to a successor sooner rather than later".
Mr Thompson has been the longest serving director-general at the broadcaster since the 1970s and he said that he had "weathered a series of lively storms".
Indeed Mr Thompson was charged with negotiating a flat licence fee deal with the government in 2010, dealing with rows about fixed phone-in competitions and abusive messages left by Russell Brand and Jonathon Ross, and criticism about the high levels of executive pay at the BBC. Meanwhile most recently Thompson has overseen the implementation of the cost-cutting programme Delivering Quality First.
Despite the 'ups and downs' of his career, in an email on Monday, Mr Thompson paid tribute to staff, and called the BBC "the best broadcaster in the world".
He said: "We've weathered a series of lively storms and been through some trying, as well as some very successful, times together.
"What has made my job not just bearable, but immensely enjoyable and rewarding, is all of you: Your talent and energy, your unshakeable belief in the BBC and everything it stands for."
Spectulation has now emerged as to who Mr Thompson's successor will be. Media pundits have suggested the BBC will appoint its first ever female director general.
Possible candidates include Helen Boaden, head of BBC News, Caroline Thomson, the BBC's chief operating officer, and ITV's current director of television, Peter Fincham.
(LB/GK)