Tony Hall ushers in ‘next chapter’ for BBC

On his first day in his new job, BBC director general Tony Hall has told staff that the corporation’s “best days lie ahead” and that he will set out how to shape its “next chapter” in the coming weeks.

In an email to all staff, Hall said “later this year I will share my thinking with the Trust before outlining our new ambitions for the BBC,” as it moves towards its centenary in 2012. He added that he will spend the coming months listening to thoughts of the staff.

He said that the questions the BBC needed to ask itself included how can it improve the quality and distinctiveness of its programmes, what are the next big trends in technology and how can the BBC act as a catalyst for creative and digital economies?

“There are obviously other big questions and we must address them all whilst adapting to the ways in which Britain, its society, nations and regions are changing,” he said.

Addressing the Jimmy Savile scandal that rocked the corporation last year, Hall said “we are now winning back trust,” but warned “we must never take it for granted.” He said that he was confident about the BBC’s future due to the calibre of its staff and the values they all share.