Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Today, quite by chance, I found myself in a meeting with one of the BBC governors. Ranjit Sondhi was meeting staff at BBC Radio Lancashire where I was due to have a meeting about the Open College Network. John, Radio Lancashire's Editor, invited me into the meeting because Ranjit had been asking about digital storytelling.
In the meeting of senior staff he invited questions about the outcome of the Hutton Inquiry. Some staff were persistent with their questioning about why Greg had to leave the BBC, and the role the governors played in his resignation. He explained that there were issues raised by both Greg and the Governors about what would be best for the BBC and it had been agreed that Greg's resignation would be in the best interest and would allow the BBC to draw a line under the Hutton Report as quickly as possible. Ranjit was clearly aware of the impact their decision was having on morale and was keen to hear the views of staff in Blackburn.
I was unable to stay until the end of the meeting. My impression from Ranjit, whom I've met on several occasions before, was a deep sense of loss at Greg and Gavin's departures. He said that he hoped a new director general could be appointed who would bring qualities similar to Greg's to the BBC. His ability to communicate at all levels with staff, his commercial acumen and his eye for an opportunity to give the BBC the lead in a competitive environment.
I was impressed with the senior staff at Radio Lancashire and their straightforward questioning of one of the governors. I think Ranjit also appreciated their honest questioning too.
In the meeting of senior staff he invited questions about the outcome of the Hutton Inquiry. Some staff were persistent with their questioning about why Greg had to leave the BBC, and the role the governors played in his resignation. He explained that there were issues raised by both Greg and the Governors about what would be best for the BBC and it had been agreed that Greg's resignation would be in the best interest and would allow the BBC to draw a line under the Hutton Report as quickly as possible. Ranjit was clearly aware of the impact their decision was having on morale and was keen to hear the views of staff in Blackburn.
I was unable to stay until the end of the meeting. My impression from Ranjit, whom I've met on several occasions before, was a deep sense of loss at Greg and Gavin's departures. He said that he hoped a new director general could be appointed who would bring qualities similar to Greg's to the BBC. His ability to communicate at all levels with staff, his commercial acumen and his eye for an opportunity to give the BBC the lead in a competitive environment.
I was impressed with the senior staff at Radio Lancashire and their straightforward questioning of one of the governors. I think Ranjit also appreciated their honest questioning too.
