David Liddiment, Trustee

"The public, quite rightly, has higher expectations of the BBC than of any other broadcaster. It has a unique cultural and creative role – cultural, as the most trusted source of news and information for the nation, perhaps even the world, and creative in its freedom to cultivate talent and quality above anything else.

"Having spent my whole career involved with programmes, including a short stint at the BBC, I see my contribution as keeping the BBC focused on being the broadcaster that brings the best creative talents to the widest possible audience. It's not here to give people what's proved to have worked, it's here to identify new ideas and support talent who can illuminate the world and stimulate thought."

About David

David always knew he wanted to be in television and secured what at the time was a rare entry into Granada, writing continuity links for announcers and making trails. Over 20 years he worked across a wide range of programmes as researcher, director, producer and executive producer, ending up as Director of Programmes.

David joined BBC Television as Head of Entertainment, quite a culture shock after two decades in the private sector, but a valuable experience of working for a public institution.

When Granada bought London Weekend Television, David went back as LWT's Director of Programmes, moving to the ITV Network in 1997 where he was responsible for all commissioning and scheduling of the ITV channels.

In 2003 David was presented with the Royal Television Society's Gold Medal for outstanding services to television.

Then taking a step away from television, David joined Kevin Spacey to set up a resident producing company at the historic Old Vic theatre in London. With old Granada colleagues he also co-founded All3Media, for which he is Creative Director. Over the six years since it started, the company has grown both organically and by acquisition to become the largest independent production house in the UK.