Out of focus

The culture of excess which has built up within the higher echelons of the BBC does not sit well with the austerity drive now pervading the rest of the public sector.

The BBC remains one of this country's best-loved institutions, but even the most devout Radio Four listener must baulk at the stories of spiralling six-figure salaries, lengthy stays in opulent hotels, and thousands of pounds lavished upon flowers and gifts for already overpaid and over-pampered stars.

So while there is little doubt the fee freeze will be welcomed by a public bracing themselves for a flurry of tax hikes over the coming months, it must also signal the start of something deeper within the under-fire corporation.

A move towards a leaner and smaller organisation, more carefully focused on what it does best, should leave the BBC better equipped to provide value for money, and to protect itself from further criticism by its most vociferous critics.