He made his defence as he outlined the BBC's proposals for the coming Charter Review. Directing his comments towards the corporation's critics he said it was time to "recognise [the BBC] as one of Britain's greatest assets enriching people's lives here and around the world".
He said it did this partly through its journalism, which despite criticism had not lost its bite. He backed this citing a broad range of examples from 'Panorama''s recent 'Saddam on the Run' and this Sunday's report by Fergal Keane on his return to Rwanda.
"The idea that I or anyone else in the BBC would do anything to undermine the integrity of our journalism is utter nonsense. Anyone who believes otherwise doesn't understand the BBC and certainly doesn't know me," Byford said.
The new BBC chairman is due to be announced by the government tomorrow and was described by an insider in the FT as a "safe pair of hands". Michael Grade was one of the front runners alongside broadcaster David Dimbleby, while Baroness Young is believed to have been passed over.
Byford made his comments as part of the Gladstone Lecture at the Foreign Press Association. He said that the BBC remained totally committed to delivering reliable news; expert analysis, intelligent debate; and courageous, ground-breaking original journalism.
"And we will provide those precious commodities -- independence and impartiality in all we do," he said.
On the Charter Review, Byford said that building the public value of the BBC's television, radio and interactive services would be a cornerstone of the BBC's approach.
"Consolidation and competition in commercial broadcasting increasingly emphasises the private value of broadcasting. The BBC's role must be to focus on delivering the public value of broadcasting -- something everyone can share in."
He concluded by saying that the BBC wanted to meet the challenge of the Charter Review head on with a strong, independent, creative powerhouse, serving audiences with an outstanding portfolio of programmes and services.
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