Dimbleby Tipped For BBC Chair

David Dimbleby has emerged as a candidate for the role of BBC chairman, according to press speculation.

A number of broadsheet newspapers reported this morning that the veteran broadcaster has been shortlisted as a candidate to take over from Sir Christopher Bland when he leaves the BBC to take up a new post at BT next month (see Bland To Step Down From BBC Chairman Role).

The Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), who are responsible for making the appointment, were “not at liberty to comment” this morning, but Dimbleby is thought to be up against BBC deputy chairman, Gavyn Davies, and Lady Young, the former Labour leader in the Lords.

The appointment of the BBC chairman will be made in the next few months by Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell and Tony Blair. However the decision has been delayed due to the government’s desire to consult the new leader of the Tory Party, who is unlikely to be elected until the end of September.

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