Grade urges BBC to greater expectations

Michael Grade began work today as the new chairman of the BBC by calling on the corporation to set higher standards - and meet them.

He also pledged to "defend the licence fee", which he described as his toughest challenge in his new role.

The former Channel 4 boss was appointed by the Government following the resignation of Gavyn Davies as chairman in January.

Mr Davies quit along with director-general Greg Dyke after the Hutton report criticised BBC management and governors over Andrew Gilligan's Radio 4 Today broadcast, which claimed the Government had "sexed up" its dossier on Iraq's weapons.

Mr Grade's first job will be to find a replacement for the popular Mr Dyke. Front runners include acting directorgeneral Mark Byford and Channel 4 chief executive Mark Thompson.

Today Mr Grade, 61, posed for pictures outside the BBC's offices in White City.

Asked what his first challenge would be, he joked: "Finding my office."

He is expected to bring in reforms to make the governors more robust in their regulation of the BBC, and to appoint senior figures from the media to the board of governors, which he chairs.