Governors go for 'flair and experience'

Greg Dyke says he will sever all connections with the Labour Party

The BBC Board of Governors has issued a statement which explains the reasons for appointing Greg Dyke as the next Director General of the corporation.

Mr Dyke is to take over from Sir John Birt in April 2000.

The statement in full reads:

"The board has conducted a thorough, rigorous and objective selection process in which all governors have been fully involved. Throughout, governors have kept at the forefront of their minds the need to find the candidate best qualified to lead the corporation in the 21st Century, and also their continuing responsibility to uphold the independence of the BBC and the impartiality of its programmes.

Impressive candidates

"Governors have been able to consider a strong field which included a range of impressive candidates from both inside and outside the BBC. The board of governors has decided that Greg Dyke, the Chief Executive of Pearson Television, has the skills, flair and experience to take the BBC forward in the direction outlined in our strategy document The BBC Beyond 2000.

"The governors have clear responsibilities under the Corporation's Royal Charter to protect the BBC's impartiality and independence.

Political links severed

"Aware of concerns about Greg Dyke's previous political activities, a key part of the application process enabled the governors to satisfy themselves, through a rigorous dialogue with the candidate, that on appointment he would sever all links with the Labour Party and with commercial broadcasting interests, and that he would be determined and able to protect the BBC's independence, reputation for impartiality and resist pressure from whatever source.

"The board was impressed with Greg Dyke's commitment to the BBC's public service purposes. The board gives its wholehearted support to Greg Dyke as the next Director General of the BBC and looks forward to working with him."