Tony Hall: “I believe passionately in the BBC”

Tony Hall on his appointment as new BBC Director-General:

“I believe passionately in the BBC and that’s why I have accepted Lord Patten’s invitation to become Director General.

“This organisation is an incredibly important part of what makes the United Kingdom what it is. And of course it matters not just to people in this country – but to tens of millions around the world too.

“It’s been a difficult few weeks – but together we’ll get through it.

“I’m committed to ensuring our news services are the best in the world.

“I’m committed to making this a place where creative people, the best and the brightest, want to work.

“And I know from my first days here as a news trainee, to my time as head of news and current affairs, to my time now at the Royal Opera House, that I can’t do it on my own. Having the right teams working together, sparking off each other, is key.

“And I want to build a world class team to lead a world class BBC.”