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Sir
Richard Eyre to leave BBC Board of Governors
The
BBC announced today (Wednesday 26 March 2003) that Sir Richard Eyre
has decided to leave the BBC Board of Governors because he is unable
to give the role the time it requires.
Richard
Eyre said: "I'm
no longer able to combine my duties as a Governor with my work as
a freelance theatre and film director.
"In
the current year I have had to spend two months in New York, and
will be filming for three months this summer.
"Consequently,
with great regret, I feel that I have to resign from the BBC's Board
of Governors.
"In
the six years I have spent on the Board, I have been involved in
a number of major changes. It has been hugely invigorating, often
surprising, and always interesting to be part of the debate.
"I
have been involved with the BBC since 1978, when I became Producer
of Play for Today and while it is obvious that, like any media or
arts organisation, the fortunes of the corporation have been uneven,
I believe that it is currently in a healthy state.
"It
is confidently and shrewdly led, and in the areas of my particular
interest - drama and arts - I believe there is substantial cause
to be optimistic for its future."
BBC
Chairman Gavyn Davies said: "When
I became Chairman in September 2001 I was fortunate to inherit a
Board containing Richard Eyre.
"He
exudes integrity and demonstrates passion for the BBC, its purpose,
people and programmes.
"His
persistent, articulate argument to do for arts programming what
the BBC has done for science and history, is paying dividends. It's
a pity he won't be on the Board to judge the full impact of the
new arts strategy.
"Although
I will miss Richard personally very much, I recognise that it has
become impossible for him to combine his directing work with being
a Governor. We all wish him continuing success."
Notes
to Editors
Sir
Richard Eyre was appointed a BBC Governor in November 1995. In October
2000 he was appointed for a second term of office due to end in
November 2004.
Sir
Richard Eyre has written to the Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell to
resign with effect from 31 May 2003.
The
Department for Culture, Media & Sport will begin the process
of appointing a successor to Sir Richard Eyre using the established
Nolan procedure.
New
Welsh BBC Governor appointed (20.12.02)
Two
new BBC Governors appointed; Ranjit Sondhi's term as Governor for
the English Regions extended (22.10.02)
All the
BBC's digital services are now available on Freeview,
the new free-to-view digital terrestrial television service, as well
as on satellite and cable.
Freeview
offers the BBC's eight television channels, interactive services
from BBCi, as well as 11 BBC radio networks.
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