Channel 5 chief attacks BBC's defensive culture

THE chief executive of Channel 5, David Elstein, launched a blistering attack on the BBC last night - on the eve of recording a radio programme in which he will propose himself as its next director-general.

On delivering the Goldman Media Lecture, Mr Elstein described the BBC as "mesmerised by impossible and inappropriate ambitions" and "mired in its peculiar history and method of funding".

He also proposed the abolition of the licence fee, calling instead for a subscription system which, he said, would "strengthen and further legitimise" the BBC.

But Mr Elstein will today record an edition of Radio 4's The Candidate in which he will be interviewed by Jonathan Dimbleby about how he would take on the job of director-general. The programme's aim is to set out a "manifesto" for a candidate for an influential position. The BBC has yet to confirm the transmission date for Mr Elstein's programme.

It is not known whether he will repeat on Radio 4 his comments from yesterday's lecture, which included noting that the BBC's News 24 rolling news service is "another nail in the coffin of the licence fee" and that the BBC gives the impression of being a "defensive monolith not an open public body". He added that the BBC's notorious habit of relying on teams of management consultants must end. He said: "The BBC should give itself a year to dislodge every consultant and then learn to live without them."

Mr Elstein is widely regarded by media figures and commentators as a favourite external candidate to take over Auntie's top job when the incumbent, John Birt, retires in 2000. His intellectual style - he is one of the youngest students ever to achieve a double first at Cambridge - and credible programming background have led to a perception that he was uncomfortable at the populist Channel 5.

Before joining Channel 5, where he has been chief executive for just over a year, he was the industry-acceptable face of Sky as director of programmes at BSkyB. He previously had a high-profile television production career, notably at Thames Television.

The BBC governors are already gearing up for the task of appointing Mr Birt's replacement and are reported to be talking to headhunters, as well as lining up internal candidates.

Many of the BBC's senior management are approaching retirement, leaving the corporation in something of a succession crisis with the governors keen to ensure a formal handover plan is established swiftly.

Internal figures who might have been tipped for DG include chief executive, BBC production, Ron Neil, who will leave in November, and chief executive, BBC Broadcast, Will Wyatt, who is due to leave next year.

Among other prominent figures outside the BBC mooted for the post are chairman and chief executive of Pearson Television, Greg Dyke, and Channel 4 chief executive Michael Jackson, a former controller of both BBC 1 and BBC 2.

n The future of television lies in long-dead game shows such as Sale of the Century, says ITV which has unveiled plans for its digital channel ITV2.

ITV2, which is planned to launch at the end of the year, will aim at a younger audience than the mainstream channel, with an emphasis on sport to attract young men.