Sir Michael Lyons hails 'outstanding period' for BBC but admits 'substantial errors'

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Sir Michael Lyons said today that his four years as chairman of the BBC Trust has been an "outstanding period" for the BBC , but acknowledged that it was also a "rather tumultuous period" and that "substantial errors" have been made by the corporation.

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme this morning, the outgoing chariman said: "It's felt a rather tumultuous period, for a number of reasons, mainly external to the BBC, as always incoming fire, but also recognising that the BBC has made some pretty substantial errors itself over that period."

He added that the new BBC funding arrangements are a "tough deal" and said "there will need to be reductions".

Lyons, who steps down at the end of next month, is to make a speech later tonight at the London School of Economics outlining his views on what BBC should be doing over the next few years.

The speech will be made on the eve of day that Lord Patten, who has been named as the "preferred candidate" for the role of BBC Trust chairman, is due to appear  before parliament

. Hear the full interview at this link.