±±¾©Èü³µpk10

LONDON (Brand Republic) - A number of high-profile names have emerged as possible replacements for Sir Christopher Bland, who has quit his post as chairman of the BBC to take up the challenge of reviving the fortunes of beleaguered UK telecoms giant BT.

Bland’s departure comes at the highly sensitive time in the run-up to the general election. It is this which is believed to have prompted him to agree to stay on at the corporation, despite intense criticism, until a replacement is found. This is likely to take place after the election.

The right candidate will need to be more than familiar with the workings of the digital broadcasting world as the BBC walks the fine line of trying to keep up with its commercial rivals without abusing its licence-fee commitments.

Two sets of names have emerged, with the majority emerging from the left of the political spectrum. These are Gavin Davies, Goldman Sachs economist and current deputy chairman of the BBC; Baroness Jay; Lord Gordon of Strathblane, chairman of Scottish Radio Holdings; Gerry Robinson, the Granada Group and Arts Council chairman; Pearson chairman Lord Stevenson; and the Labour economist Andrew Graham. However, the Labour ties of this group are widely expected to work against them.

Only two possible right-leaning successors have emerged in former deputy prime minister Michael Heseltine and Lord Wakeham, the former Tory leader of the Lords. A right-wing appointment would appease critics who fear a future BBC being led by two Labour supporters, following Greg Dyke’s appointment as director general last year.

Bland’s deputy Davies has close links with chancellor of the exchequer Gordon Brown, for whom his wife works. Outgoing Labour leader in the House of Lords, Baroness Jay, has experience of broadcasting from working on Panorama in the Seventies and Eighties but is, however, hugely unpopular with the right-wing press.

Lord Gordon of Strathblane was a friend of Donald Dewar, the late leader of the Scottish parliament. He could be a popular choice, as he sat on the inquiry into the future funding of the BBC and wrote a report opposing the government’s plan to set up a digital licence fee.

Robinson, meanwhile, would have the necessary TV experience but he is already semi-retired and said to enjoy his free time. Graham is said to be suited to a public role although he is a well-known Labour economist who has written on the role of the BBC. Lord Stevenson’s rather public friendship with Peter Mandelson would likely cast a cloud over his chances.

Heseltine has years of experience working in the media, having built his Haymarket Publishing empire. He is also believed to be on good terms with Tony Blair and has long experience in public life. He stands down as MP for Henley at the next election and would be available almost immediately.

Lord Wakeham has steered the press complaints committee since his stint as Conservative leader of the Lords and would, again, be popular with the right-wing press. However, he is believed to lack the technical knowledge which would be required to steer the BBC into the fast-paced digital era.