BBC boss Alan Yentob attacks meddling ministers
BBC executive Alan Yentob today hit back at critics of the corporation and told the Government to stop meddling in its affairs.
He ridiculed ministers such as Ben Bradshaw and Harriet Harman, who he accused of trying to interfere in casting decisions, and defended lavish spending on stars.
The £340,000-a-year creative director, who also presents arts shows, went on the attack after politicians got involved in the row over the sacking of Arlene Phillips from Strictly Come Dancing.
Mr Yentob said: "Do I think it's the job of ministers to decide who is cast in shows? Everybody around the building would like to be the person who decides who goes on that show or that show. Maybe Ben Bradshaw and Harriet Harman are no different."
The BBC has been under fire following the publication of expenses and pay of its senior executives and Mr Yentob was criticised for paying nearly £160 for dinner with Nigella Lawson. He said that Lawson was not even there.
Instead, he took three people, including agents, to discuss future series of her show. He insisted that entertaining contacts and stars was a way of bringing in more business for the BBC, adding: "I am in overall charge of talent. I do take people to lunch every now and then."
