MarkThompson
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George Entwistle announced as next Director General at the BBC, prepares for world service
The good-ship BBC won't steer itself, and it's just been announced that George Entwistle is the next to take the wheel. Currently director of BBC Vision (the Beeb's fancy name for TV,) Entwistle will take over from Mark Thompson, who announced back in March that he'd be leaving Auntie's warm embrace. Appointment to the £450,000-a-year (about $702,000) role is always keenly observed, with much of the future direction of the broadcasting stalwart considered to rest on its shoulders. Entwistle cut his teeth on such programs as Tomorrow's World, Panorama and Newsnight, before working his way into more executive roles. Thompson will hold the fort until after the Olympics, before handing the (figurative) baton over to Entwistle. [Image courtesy: BBC]
BBC's Director-General confirms instant video on-demand store is coming
Just last week, rumors regarding the BBC's purported iTunes competitor were making the rounds. Now, thanks to Director-General Mark Thompson, we can confirm that it is indeed in the works. Currently known around the British offices as "Project Barcelona," the service is expected to be an à la carte media offering, allowing you to "purchase a digital copy of a program to own and keep for a relatively modest charge." Speaking of which, movies, TV shows and specials are expected to start at £1.89 and may be available minutes after they're broadcast on TV, though we've yet to hear an official word on pricing. The Broadcasting Corporation chief went on to say this isn't "a second license-fee by stealth or any reduction in the current public service offering from the BBC, it's the exact analogy of going into a high-street shop to buy a DVD." He didn't, however, give any deets on when we can expect the service to launch.
