BBC VICE-CHAIRMAN APPOINTMENT COMES UNDER FIRE

DOWNING Street’s announcement that Gavyn Davies has been appointed Vice-Chairman of the BBC has come under fire.
Bectu Assistant General Secretary Gerry Morrissey, as reported in the Media Guardian, branded Davies' appointment as BBC Vice-Chairman as "astonishing", adding that the appointment left the government open to “allegations of cronyism”.
In a statement made on Davies appointment, BBC Chairman, Sir Christopher Bland, said: “I am delighted with the appointment of Gavyn Davies as Vice-Chairman. He is a strong supporter of the BBC and has a deep understanding of and belief in the value of public service broadcasting in the digital age. His economic, business and broadcasting expertise will make him a valuable member of the Board of Governors.”
Davies said: “I very much look forward to taking up this appointment. The BBC plays a vital role in the culture of our nation and in supporting our democracy. I am excited at the prospect of helping to sustain the BBC’s impact and creativity in the future.”
Davies, who will succeed Baroness (Barbara) Young of Old Scone, is to take up his new position as Vice-Chairman on January 1, 2001.
In August 1999, Davies chaired an independent review panel set up to examine the future funding of the BBC. The report, commissioned by Culture Secretary Chris Smith, recommended that the BBC could raise more internal cash by selling BBC Resources, raising target income for BBC Worldwide, and making £190m in efficiency savings.
However, Smith declined to accept the report’s recommendations in full, opting instead to raise the licence fee. This left the Corporation with an obligation to raise £490 million by 2006 through increased efficiency savings, reduced bureaucracy, and public-private partnerships.
(CD/SP)