Lord Patten to BBC staff: Sorry for 'traumatic' events, today marks a 'new phase'

The past eight weeks have been very traumatic for the BBC. Let me say again that I am sorry that, while the vast majority of you have had absolutely nothing to do with the events that have put us under the spotlight, you have had to share in the pain and the shame that they have brought. But this is a significant day for the BBC.

There are still very serious questions to be answered through the two on-going independent inquiries into the Newsnight investigation that was dropped and the culture and practices of the BBC during the years Jimmy Savile worked here, as well as a review into sexual harassment. But it is also marks the beginning of a new phase for the BBC. And the key challenge will be re-establishing our reputation with the public. I hope you will all support Tony Hall as he goes about the important work of doing just that.