TVTV NewsBBCMichael Grade was appointed Chairman of the BBC in 2004 before leaving in 2006.10:09, 17 Jun 2026Updated 10:13, 17 Jun 2026Former BBC alumnus Michael Grade has given his thoughts on what needs to be done to reform the corporation.‌The 83-year-old first joined the broadcaster in 1984 when he became a Controller before being appointed as the Director of Programmes in 1986.‌He stayed at the BBC for almost two years before leaving at the end of 1987.‌After his initial departure, Michael became the Chief Executive of rival broadcaster Channel 4.However, he returned to the corporation once again in 2004 as Chairman before stepping down in 2006 to become Executive Chairman of ITV.Now, he's spoken to Radio Times to give a 10-point plan to reform the BBC. One of which includes the broadcaster admitting their mistakes and lowering the licence fee.‌He commented: "The BBC has successively failed to handle journalistic c***-ups in a satisfactory way. That's why they've lost trust. Panorama's misleading edit of Trump only came to light because of outside exposure."The BBC didn't expose the mistakes themselves. That's unforgivable. The BBC thinks owning up to mistakes is a sign of weakness, but I regard it as a sign of strength. They should start doing it."‌Another aspect Michael believes needs to change is the licence fee, as he believes it should be lowered.The 83-year-old explained that the current charges aren't fair, noting that people should pay different rates depending on their financial situation.‌Michael praised the BBC for taking risks, something he said other commercial broadcasters can't.He highlighted that The Traitors TV show was a gamble at the time that paid off, and he noted the broadcaster needs to continue taking certain risks.‌He also said the BBC shouldn't be put into the advertising market, branding the idea 'nonsense'.Other points the former controller made for the BBC to survive include rejecting the subscription model, cutting costs, and following the audience.He also touched on giving power to the regions, cherishing impartiality, and launching World Service TV.Article continues belowThe full interview can be read in this week's Radio Times.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌BBCMichael Grade