BBC has run down music coverage says legendary director Tony Palmer

Palmer, who made some of the BBC’s most celebrated programmes of popular and classical music, including the farewell concert of the band Cream at the Royal Albert Hall in 1968, said: “When Tony Hall arrived at the BBC he said music was in its DNA. But where’s the evidence, apart from the Proms?

“He’s systematically destroyed the old music and arts department, and it has nothing to do with money – it’s a question of interest and aptitude.”

Palmer, who is in Harrogate next week for a rare public appearance, spoke as Lord Hall launched an impassioned defence of the licence fee.

The BBC said his accusation “simply isn’t true”, adding: “No organisation does more to promote and celebrate music and arts in the UK.”