Grade 'to be named new BBC chairman'

Michael Grade is to be named as the BBC's new chairman, reports have said.

The appointment comes after former chairman Gavyn Davies quit over the contents of the Hutton Report into the death of Dr David Kelly.

Earlier this week acting BBC chairman Lord Ryder announced his decision to retire from the corporation in June.

One of the new chairman's first tasks in office will be to appoint a new BBC Director General following Greg Dyke's resignation in the wake of Hutton.

A spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport today said he could not confirm Mr Grade's appointment.

Mr Grade, who runs the Pinewood-Shepperton film studios and is chairman of the lottery firm Camelot, had earlier emerged as a favourite for the post among some commentators.

Candidates for the chairmanship were interviewed earlier this month by a panel led by Sue Street, the culture department's permanent secretary.

Also tipped for the post were Question Time presenter David Dimbleby and Liberal Democrat peer Lord Watson.

Most watched News videos