Man of letters

Interesting to see a letter in the Evening Standard from BBC Group Managing Director Bob Shennan, debating stuff like The Arts with Evening Standard columnist (and BBC radio presenter) Anne McElvoy. One presumes regular Arts Figureheads Jonty and Alan are on half-term. And Bob's remit clearly now extends beyond diversity, HR and the general upkeep of the Corporation's fabric. 

We welcome and agree with Anne McElvoy on the notion that “Now more than ever, the BBC must stand by its core impartiality ” [October 23]. However, we don’t support all of Ms McElvoy’s assessments on the BBC.

Our commitment to the arts remains as strong as ever and only this month we announced a range of new programmes across TV, radio and online. BBC Arts also recently confirmed one of the biggest commitments to new arts talent in a generation through partnerships with arts councils and organisations across the UK.

The suggestion that “the undergrowth of bureaucracy goes unpruned” isn’t the case. An independent report found the BBC is among the most efficient international telecoms and media organisations and our focus has been on cutting the number of back office roles to invest more in programmes.

We all want a BBC that everyone can be proud of and we’re committed to that for the arts alongside everything else we do.

Bob Shennan, 
BBC group managing director