Mark Thompson confirmed as new BBC Director General

The BBC Board of Governors has announced the appointment of Channel 4 Chief Executive Mark Thompson to the post of Director-General.
The decision was unanimous. In considering the requirements of the role, the Governors “sought a candidate with unquestionable public service credentials and commitment to the BBC's editorial mission.”
They also required a candidate with the qualities to lead the BBC successfully through the upcoming Charter review process.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, BBC Chairman Michael Grade said: "We were impressed by Mark Thompson's analysis of the challenges facing the BBC, and by his track record. We concluded that he was the right person to lead the BBC at this important period in its history.
"All the Governors wish to place on record their immense gratitude to Mark Byford for his outstanding stewardship of the BBC over the last few difficult months."
Both Thompson and Grade have been appointed to replace former BBC chiefs Greg Dyke and Gavyn Davies, who resigned in the aftermath of Lord Hutton’s controversial criticism of the corporation’s editorial procedures.
(GB)