Former Newsnight editor George Entwistle named as new Director-General of the BBC

The BBC today appointed George Entwistle as its new Director-General — the most powerful job in British television.

The former Newsnight editor was the choice to succeed Mark Thompson, who steps down after the Olympics following eight years in charge.

Mr Entwistle, 49, will be paid a basic salary of £450,000 — less than his predecessor, who earned £671,000 and was criticised for presiding over a culture of sky-high executive pay.

His appointment sparked speculation that his rival for the job, chief operating officer Caroline Thomson, would leave the BBC after years of loyal service.

Mr Entwistle said: “I’m delighted the Chairman and Trustees have decided I’m the right person for the job. And I’m very excited about all that lies ahead.

I love the BBC and it’s a privilege to be asked to lead it into the next stage of its creative life.”

BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten said: “George is a creative leader for a creative organisation. His experience of making and delivering great programmes that audiences love will prove invaluable as he and his team work to ensure the BBC remains the greatest broadcaster in the world.

“Above all, George is passionate about the BBC, committed to its public service ethos, and has a clear vision for how it can harness the creativity and commitment of its staff.”

As Director of Vision, Mr Entwistle was in charge of all BBC TV channels. Insiders say he has strong credentials as the de facto “editor-in-chief”, with a current affairs background at Newsnight, Panorama and On The Record. But he was criticised last month for overseeing botched coverage of the Diamond Jubilee river pageant.

The BBC was ridiculed in Parliament for “dumbing down”, after presenter Fearne Cotton showed viewers a sick-bag emblazoned with the Queen’s face.

Mr Entwistle was also deputy editor of Tomorrow’s World and The Culture Show. The 49-year-old father-of-two studied at Durham University, before starting out as a sub-editor at magazine firm Haymarket.

He moved to the BBC in 1989 as a broadcast journalism trainee and becoming assistant producer on Panorama within a year.

Mr Thompson said: “I think this is a brilliant appointment.” Lord Patten paid tribute to the outgoing director-general for his “creativity, vision and leadership”.