Letter: Birt and Hussey threaten the integrity of the BBC

Sir: As a retired BBC radio producer, I feel betrayed when I learn that the director-general was appointed on a freelance basis - not because as a freelance he sought to maximise tax avoidance (although dubious enough) but because it should ever have been thought appropriate that the D-G or deputy D-G should not be a member of staff. These persons, indeed the whole board of management, are the BBC.

John Birt and Marmaduke Hussey should resign. In view of his excellent record in the World Service, John Tusa should at least be interviewed. The BBC should not lose what was a reputation for integrity, even if, sometimes, stuffy.

Sincerely,

BARBARA CHARTERTON

London, NW3

14 March