Letter: Future of the BBC

Sir: The BBC spends public money and we must spend it wisely. It is simply wrong to suggest that our structural changes in News will lead to programmes being created by a "sausage machine" - one very like another.

We will never lose sight of the fact that audiences want distinctive and engaging programmes from the BBC. But we need to do that cost-effectively. We have to avoid duplicating ideas, resources and the treatment of stories across the day. That means organising ourselves in a modern, efficient way to meet the competitive challenges of the age.

Wherever we save money, we intend to invest it in newsgathering around the world and in the UK, producing more special programmes on radio and television and new services for our audiences.

TONY HALL

Chief Executive

BBC News

London W1