Distance running

Today's publication of the ad for BBC Chairman gives a timetable for the process (or "charade", as it will be known if Lord Coe turns up). The new news is that the appointee is expected to take over in November or December.

This makes Diane Coyle's interregnum at least six months, and means she will have to front up some difficult stuff. The Annual Report comes in July, and will feature stuff on presenter payment status. Both the Public Accounts Committee and the Culture Committee will be looking for follow-up opportunities there. The Trust will have to decide if it likes the idea of closing BBC3 as a broadcast channel. And there's a fighting chance that the DLT case will be over by the end of summer, and the BBC will then have to publish the review of Dame Janet Smith into  "Savile (and Hall) culture".

Then Coe can start with a cleaner sheet, and shake hands at Christmas parties.