Hall steps down as BBC Director General

Lord Tony Hall is to step down as BBC Director General.

News of Hall's departure from his role of seven years has coincided with an announcement he will become Chair of The National Gallery, replacing Interim Chair Sir John Kingman.

Hall said he was "proud" to take on the position: "The National Gallery isn’t just about serving those who already love art, but reaching a wider audience and future generations."

The BBC will soon begin searching for Hall's replacement. Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan commented that Hall's "huge" contribution to public service broadcasting had left big shoes to fill: "In  this ever-changing broadcast landscape, the next DG (Director General) will need to build on Lord Hall's success."