Bland criticises BBC Trust structure

Former BBC chairman Sir Christopher Bland has said that that the structure of the BBC Trust, the UK public broadcaster’s governing body, “has never made sense”, with a lack a clarity over whether it is charged with defending the BBC’s 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.

Bland’s comments follow last week’s announcement by Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons that he would not seek reappointment when this term in office ends next year.