Liberal Democrats in Business

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Lyons has tough job ahead at BBC - Foster

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 5th Apr 2007

Commenting on the announcement of Sir Michael Lyons as the new chairman of the BBC, Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster MP said: "Sir Michael has a tough job ahead. The BBC Trust, which he now heads, is supposed to be a regulator of the BBC, not part of it. Yet even his title as BBC Chairman suggests the Trust remains an integral part of the corporation not independent from it.

"Given that the BBC was given a licence fee settlement which is, in effect, below inflation there will be huge pressures to maximise other forms of income.

"Sir Michael and his Trust must ensure that the BBC's management plans are not allowed to unfairly stifle developments by rival broadcasters or associated businesses. He cannot be a flag waver for the BBC as well as its regulator."

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