Channel 4 chairman drops out of BBC race
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mark Thompson, the chief executive of Channel 4, ruled himself out of the race to become the BBC's next director general yesterday.
He had been widely regarded in the television industry as the likely successor to Greg Dyke, who resigned in January after the publication of the Hutton report. But as he presented Channel 4's annual results, Mr Thompson said he had no intention of leaving his job.
Bookmakers reacted by installing Mark Byford, the acting director general, as the favourite. Mr Byford, who was formerly head of the BBC World Service, was thought to have damaged his chances by continuing to back a post-Hutton internal inquiry that is deeply unpopular among BBC staff.
He was also regarded as an unlikely choice for Michael Grade, the new chairman, who may be disappointed by Mr Thompson's decision.
But Mr Thompson's comments did not convince everybody and sources close to him said he might still join the BBC.
Mr Thompson was asked yesterday to confirm speculation that he had been offered a "golden handcuffs'' deal by Channel 4, but he refused to comment except to say his contract was a private matter.
Mr Grade, who takes over as chairman on 17 May, has reopened the appointment process for the director general.
Other contenders include Jana Bennett, the BBC director of television; Jenny Abramsky, BBC head of radio; and Michael Jackson, a former Channel 4 chief executive who is now based in America.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments