Ex-BBC chair Bland dies, aged 78

SIR CHRISTOPHER Bland, the former chairman of the BBC board of governors has died, aged 78.

Bland, a prominent figure in business, arts and media for decades, was chairman of the BBC board of governors between 1996 and 2001. He had an number of senior business roles, including as chairman of London Weekend Television, BT and the Royal Shakespeare Company. His son, Archie, said: “He was as sweet and gentle and wise as he was tough and bold and brave.”