BBC Chairman moves to ITV

BBC chairman Michael Grade has stunned the corporation by announcing he is to leave the broadcaster and move to its biggest terrestrial rival, ITV. The news will be a huge relief for ITV, which has seen advertising decline since former boss Charles Allen left in August.

ITV sources are said to be “delighted” at Grade’s move. However, the news will be seen as a huge blow for the BBC. He has only been with the public service broadcaster for two years and was due to become chairman of the new BBC Trust. Furthermore, Grade was in advance talks with the government over license fee changes.