Former BBC chairman Sir Christopher Bland has said that that the structure of the BBC Trust, the UK public broadcasters governing body, Âhas never made senseÂ, with a lack a clarity over whether it is charged with defending the BBCÂs independence or regulating the broadcaster.
Bland was chairman of the BBC board of governors, which the Trust was designed to replace, from 1996-2001. He has also criticised the government for putting pressure on the BBC to freeze its licence fee.
BlandÂs comments follow last weekÂs announcement by Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons that he would not seek reappointment when this term in office ends next year.
