It’s been on the news for most of the day and Tom mentions he contributed to the advertisement (which I haven’t seen) in The Telegraph from Greg Dyke supporters within the BBC. I’m impressed that such support exists but it’s not surprising. Everything you read about Greg was that he cared about the programmes and the producers more than the politics of broadcasting. Perhaps that was his downfall; a little more care with the original complaints and he might still be leading. Maybe, at last, journalists will forget about that blasted rat (see my entry for 8 May 2003).

I note that Andrew Gilligan has also resigned; I do not know what else he could have done. He is, however, widely regarded as a good journalist and – I hope – it’s not long before he is reporting somewhere. His resignation statement is an interesting reminder of where all this started.

Many have commented that it’s going to be an interesting time for the BBC as it searches for both a new Chairman and Director General. I strongly believe that the next chairman will be one of the final to chair a board of BBC governors. In a multi-media mix it has long seemed odd that the BBC should be held to a different interpretation of standards than the rest of the broadcast media. It is about time self governace was ended – although we have yet to see what Ofcom will actually do.

I do, however, hope that some of the great work that comes from BBC Online is maintained. In a fight for it’s broadcast reputation I fear that the online presence may too easily be diluted for the guns are out for that part of the BBC.

On this day…

2004: Maybe Somebody Was Listening
2004: Forgotten Credits
2004: Where In The World
2004: Desert Drag
2003: January Snow? A Surprise to Transport Chiefs

On this day…

2004: Maybe Somebody Was Listening
2004: Forgotten Credits
2004: Where In The World
2004: Desert Drag
2003: January Snow? A Surprise to Transport Chiefs

Hutton has spoken and the BBC came in for criticism. I have a great affection for the BBC, I worked for them for a while, but in the light of some of the facts that emerged it seems that some of the procedures to ensure accurate journalism seem to be flawed. The government, on the other hand, seems to have got off lightly. But I do wonder if the resignations of both Gavyn Davies and Greg Dyke will some how backfire on Number Ten.

I also wonder if, had the tables been reversed, politicians would have resigned in quite such dignified manners?

I am a great believer that leaders, in business and government, should take responsibility for the decisions of the people they employ. That is not to say that they should resign for every mistake made (I am also a believer in that human beings make mistakes and mistakes are allowed). I think Gavyn Davies and Greg Dyke were great for the BBC. But it is right that they do the honourable thing. It speaks so much more about them as people than anything that has come from Parliament since Robin Cook resigned.

the resignations of the BBC’s Director General and Chairman illustrate the differences of mentality that exist at the BBC and in the government. Though sad, it is refreshing to see those with responsibility acting honourably and resigning. By contrast our cabinet ministers usually have to be pushed from power when found wanting – clinging desperately and shamelessly to their posts and privileges. Greg Dyke and Gavin Davies have acted with a maturity and correctness unmatched by the government. [What now for the BBC?]

I hope the people that take over will have as much integrity.

On this day…

2008: Boston Legal Series 4 Starts Thursday (but you wouldn’t know it)
2006: Free Hair Extensions
2004: Favourite Photography

On this day…

2008: Boston Legal Series 4 Starts Thursday (but you wouldn’t know it)
2006: Free Hair Extensions
2004: Favourite Photography

It is worth noting that after this incident with the Odeon’s online purchasing system, they have not only responded to my comments saying that the error has been fixed but they have also looked into the cookie issue. It was great to get their correspondence and great to see an organisation respond to consumer feedback. Full marks to them and I shall return to the Odeon once again. Now, if only they would support Mozilla …

On this day…

2006: Logo For Our Times
2003: Pop

On this day…

2006: Logo For Our Times
2003: Pop