Mark Thompson Approached for Surprise BBC Director General Return
Mark Thompson, the former director general of the BBC, was informally approached about applying for a second stint leading the corporation, according to industry sources. This move comes as the BBC searches for a new leader following the resignation of Tim Davie in November, which was prompted by fallout from an edited Donald Trump speech in a Panorama episode.
Thompson's Commitment to CNN Amid BBC Speculation
It is understood that Thompson was sounded out about a potential return to the BBC, but he made clear that he remains committed to his role as the head of CNN. At CNN, he is currently overseeing a significant modernisation effort, including the launch of the All Access subscription streaming tier last year. Insiders at CNN had expressed concerns that Thompson might be tempted by the challenge of leading the BBC, given the corporation's ongoing political pressures and funding model debates.
In recent weeks, Thompson has reportedly expressed his dedication to CNN in large internal meetings, and a spokesperson for the network has reaffirmed that he "remains committed to his role." The closing date for candidates to replace Tim Davie was at the end of last year, shifting focus to other potential successors.
Political Skills and Industry Views on Thompson
Mark Thompson is widely regarded as one of the few figures with the political acumen and resilience to handle the top BBC job, especially as the corporation faces immense pressure from both Donald Trump and the political right in the UK. His tenure as director general from 2004 to 2012 saw him navigate major crises, including phone-in competition scandals and controversies involving Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross.
Unlike many who have led the BBC, Thompson managed to leave the position at a time of his own choosing, stepping down after the London Olympics. He later served as chief executive of the New York Times until 2020, before taking on his current role at CNN.
Potential Successors and Current Favourites
With Thompson out of the running, attention has turned to other candidates to replace Tim Davie. The favourites are now thought to include Jay Hunt, a former BBC and Channel 4 executive now at Apple, Charlotte Moore, the BBC's former chief content officer, and Alex Mahon, the former Channel 4 chief executive.
Patrick Holland, the executive chair of production giant Banijay UK, is also admired within the BBC but is said to be committed to his current role. The BBC and Thompson have both declined to comment on the speculation.
Thompson's Legacy and Current Challenges
During his time at the BBC, Thompson pushed through significant cuts and dealt with recurring industrial action, while also managing to leave during a period of relative calm. He took over the director general role in 2004 during a crisis, replacing Greg Dyke, who resigned after criticism in Lord Hutton's report on the death of government weapons inspector Dr David Kelly.
At CNN, Thompson is focused on transforming the network into a more subscription-based business as advertising revenues become uncertain. CNN is part of Warner Bros Discovery, which is currently involved in a fierce bidding war, though it is set to be spun off as a separate company later this year.
