BBC Director General Tony Hall to step down this summer

The BBC will soon have new leadership. Tony Hall will step down as the venerable UK broadcaster’s director general this summer, ending a seven-year tenure. Lord Hall said that he felt it was important that the BBC have the same person at the helm during its mid-term review in 2022 as it has when its charter is due for renewal in 2027.

“If I followed my heart I would genuinely never want to leave,” Hall said of his difficult decision to exit.

BBC Chairman Sir David Clementi said that the organization would start its search for a new director general “within the next few weeks.” The current speculation is that James Purnell, BBC director of radio and education, is the front-runner to assume leadership of the organization. Other possible candidates include BBC Director of News and Current Affairs Fran Unsworth and Anne Bulford, a former deputy director general for the organiztaion.