Michael Grade’s appointment as the new chairman of the BBC has won universal praise from every quarter. Tessa Jowell, the Culture Secretary, and Julie Kirkbride, her Tory shadow, both like him. The editors of the Daily Express and the Financial Times think he is fine. Columnists and profile-writers sing his praises. Even the Daily Mail, which raged against Mr Grade as a pornographer when he was chief executive of Channel 4, declared that ‘we unhesitatingly wish him the best of luck’.
No doubt there is something wrong with me, but I cannot quite bring myself to join in this national rejoicing. I am sure that Mr Grade is a larger-than-life character and marvellous raconteur, as every profile of him tells us. He has undoubtedly been a very successful businessman. He is probably a wonderful man-manager. But these qualities will be of very limited use to him in his new role.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in