Former BBC deputy Mark Byford: New DG 'ideal'

The Culture Secretary Maria Miller has welcomed the appointment of Tony Hall as the new Director General of the BBC.

Lord Hall, who is currently Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, is a former BBC Head of News.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's The World at One programme, Mark Byford former deputy director general of the BBC, said that Tony Hall is ideally qualified to steer the organisation towards the renewal of its Royal Charter.

"He has huge ability in journalism with extraordinary courage and wise judgement," Mr Byford explained.

"He's got formidable intellect; he's also worked outside the BBC at the Royal Opera House with an outstanding track record there, and recently done the cultural Olympics as a very collaborative chair.

"I think he's the ideal candidate for the moment and I wish him all the very best."