Scardino Replaces Dyke As He Prepares For BBC DG Post

Media group Pearson has confirmed that Marjorie Scardino, CEO, has stepped up to take the place of Greg Dyke as chairman of Pearson Television. Mr Dyke is to be the next director-general of the BBC (see Newsline).

The move will allow Scardino to monitor developments at the TV group whilst directors search for a replacement for Dyke. She commented: “With Greg’s leadership, Pearson Television is now firmly established as the world’s leading independent television production company. Our shows continue to attract good ratings and we have a whole generation of new programmes and formats coming through. Greg has built a strong management team and a company full of highly talented and able people. He leaves the business in fine shape for the future.”

Dyke, in the meantime, is rumoured to be keen to make a break from the legacy of current DG John Birt at the BBC, favouring a move away from focus groups and management talking shops. Mr Dyke, who resigned from the Labour Party following his appointment on Friday, is also expected to leave his position as non-executive director of Manchester United Football Club due to concerns over conflicts of interests which may arise when broadcasters bid for sports coverage rights.

Dyke is also understood to be considering the future of BBC News 24, the BBC’s rolling news service, and it is believed that he has the backing of the broadcaster’s governors to scrap the channel.

Dyke will join the BBC in November and will run the company in tandem with Sir John Birt until March 2000.

BBC: 0181 743 8000 Pearson: 0171 411 2000