Nicely timed. He won't miss out on the Olympics for free seats, free taxis', expenses and all those JOLLIES...All that after he and John Birt destroyed the BBC. Mustn't forget his salary might have been reduced too

Mark Thompson's message to BBC staff

Dear all,

Last week in a speech to the Royal Television Society, I talked about our plans for the Olympics and the other major broadcasting events of 2012. I pointed to the BBC's current strengths – in quality, creativity and world-class innovation in technology – as well as the big challenges we face both in living within our means and in getting the BBC ready for a digital future. I also commented on speculation about my own future, but promised to tell you and the BBC Trust first when I had reached a view about the timetable.

This morning I told Lord Patten that I believe that an appropriate time for me to hand over to a successor and to step down as director general of the BBC would be the autumn of this year, once the Olympics and the rest of the amazing summer of 2012 are over.

When Chris Patten became BBC chairman last year, I told him I thought there was a strong case for handing over to a successor sooner rather than later. From the point of view of the BBC, I thought that my successor should have time to really get their feet under the table before the next charter review process got going.

I have told the chairman that I believe that he and the Trust should begin the public process of finding the next DG as soon as they see fit. I will of course help them in that endeavour in any way I can. We can address the exact date of the handover once an appointment is made, though I have made it clear that I want to be guided by the wishes of the Trust and of my successor, whoever that may be.

Rather amazingly, with nearly eight years in the job I am already the longest-serving director general since the 1970s. Over those eight years (not to mention three chairmen, three prime ministers and five secretaries of state!), we've weathered a series of lively storms and been through some trying as well as some very successful times together. What has made my job not just bearable, but immensely enjoyable and rewarding, is all of you: your talent and energy, your unshakeable belief in the BBC and everything it stands for.

I've always been on the side of change because I believe that, in the middle of a media revolution, change is the only way of safeguarding what is so precious about the BBC. But change always brings disruption and uncertainty in its wake – and I do want to say a particular thank you to everyone who has worked with me in the difficult task of transforming the BBC. Thank you for your commitment and for your patience.

It's because of your efforts that the BBC I will be leaving is so much stronger than the BBC I inherited back in 2004. Trust and approval are at record highs, our services are in brilliant creative form and we've demonstrated beyond contradiction that the BBC can be just as much of a leader and innovator in the digital age as we once were in the analogue one. Now more than ever, to audiences at home and abroad the BBC is the best broadcaster in the world. It's been a great privilege helping you to keep the BBC in that top spot over the past eight years.

I'm not off just yet though and I'm looking forward to working with you over the coming months, as we prepare for the amazing summer of 2012 – as well as for the long-term future, and continued success, of the BBC.

With all best wishes,

Mark Thompson

Director general


Via The Guardian.

"change is the only way of safeguarding what is so precious about the BBC. "  ???? You are joking, aren't you?     Is that "change" as in "get rid of Radio OBs"?     "Get rid of award winning travel and transport programmes"?    "Get rid of an amazing gallery of experience" ? Take everything local out of local radio and give them a national, formatted agenda?  Stuff an artistic and creative medium with mediocre reality television, cooking shows and antiques whilst letting drama and music slip into history?      Get lost Thompson! Getting you out is a first step in safeguarding what is so precious about the BBC. Let us now put an end to dumbing down and really put quality first!

The Guardian is turning up the heat!

Here are today's odds.
The latest speculation is that Ed Richards (Ofcom Chief Executive) is in the frame.

Who will be the next BBC DG – today's odds from Ladbrokes.

3/1 George Entwistle
7/2 Caroline Thomson
7/2 Helen Boaden
6/1 Ed Richards
7/1 Michael Jackson
10/1 Peter Fincham
12/1 Danny Cohen
16/1 Tim Davie
16/1 Jay Hunt
20/1 Mark Scott
20/1 David Abraham
20/1 Peter Salmon
20/1 Sophie Turner Laing
25/1 Dawn Airey

I agree with HMG.  The past 15 or 20 years has seen the least qualified people managing a world renowned broadcasting organistation. The self serving "managers" can never say "hand on heart" they have spent 10 days night filming on a rubbish tip adjacent to the North Circular, London - all for 30 minutes of "Drama".  The BBC felt "guilty" in the early 1970's of being too London centric - The result was BBC Pebble Mill -  Pebble Mill was a great success and an enjoyable place to work - beautiful green surroundings.  At Pebble Mill,  Drama expanded under the leadership of David Rose and other factual programmes prospered... Pebble Mill at One and there were even special entertainment programmes in the foyer etc.  The "One Show" dream on...

As you can see, we have been here before... Pebble Mill is no more and yet this present and soon to be past DG thinks moving the "whole" BBC TV operation to Salford is the answer!  At least before ..., BBC TV Centre and BBC Pebble Mill were respected centres of output as were the regions, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. They all resided side by side and contributed to the whole.  There was a mutual respect concerning originated output from each centre.