Cheerleaders

The Times says the Tories will create scrap the current form of the BBC Trust, replace it with a "licence-payers' trust" and create a new role of non-executive, "cheerleader" chairman to work alongside the Director General and the BBC Executive. An senior MP tells the Thunderer that Sir Michael Lyons, who's term ends in 2011, will not oppose the move and stand down.

It's all a bit odd - if you ask BBC insiders, the Trust IS more concerned with regulation on behalf of the audience, and irritatingly so. Few cheerleaders in sight, as reviews, programme performance debates, and edicts pour forth. The issue of a BBC chairman, cheerleading as in industry, is driven by Sir Christopher Bland. What is unnecessary is a combination of the BBC Trust and Ofcom - so this is more confirmation that there'll be nice office space available at Southwark Bridge if Mr Cameron gets in....