“The BBC’s best days lie ahead” – says Tony Hall on first day as Director General

Tony Hall, who began his first day as the new Director General at the BBC today, has outlined a number of issues that the BBC needs to address after a difficult period for the corporation, though has said he is confident about the BBC’s future.

“We are learning the lessons and thanks to the hard work of staff across the organisation under Tim [Davie’s] excellent leadership, the BBC has moved forward,” Hall said in an email to staff today.

“We are now winning back trust, something which will always be the most precious commodity for our organisation. We must never take it for granted.

“I am confident about the future for the BBC for two key reasons: the calibre and quality of its people and the values we all share.”

Lord Hall, who was previously head of BBC news and current affairs between 1996 and 2001, has in his new role set out the “next chapter” for the BBC as it moves towards its centenary in 2022, commenting that the broadcasting channel has a “unique opportunity to work together to shape the future of public service broadcasting.”

Hall’s address includes “big questions” concerning the quality and distinctiveness of programmes, getting closer to audiences to improve content, the next big trends in technology and consumption, and how they can make more of the BBC brand and content in the global market place.

Newsline columnist Raymond Snoddy said that Hall has a “honeymoon period”, but it could be a short one.

“Tony Hall arrives with a ocean of good will behind him as the ‘right person’ to sort out the mess the BBC is in, following the Savile and Newsnight scandals.

“Reality starts [today]. He will soon be judged on how well he succeeds – or not – in improving trust in the BBC and restoring morale while coping with real falls in income.”

Snoddy added that the next row will probably break out before long. However, Hall is confident in his ambitions to shape the future of the BBC.

“I am proud to be leading the BBC as we start this next chapter together,” said Hall. “As we move towards our centenary it is a time for the BBC to be self-confident and optimistic about the future.

“[The BBC] produce brilliant programmes and content, day in, day out. There can be no complacency but I firmly believe with imagination and hard work the BBC’s best days lie ahead.”