New BBC chief 'a devout Catholic'
The newly-appointed Director-General of the BBC, Mark Thompson, is a devout Catholic, according to media reports. Thompson was educated at Stonyhurst Jesuit College between 1970-1975 before going on to study at Merton College, Oxford. He came back to his old school to speak to pupils and parents and present prizes at the College's Great Academies three years ago. The Chief Executive of Channel 4, aged 46, had previously worked at the BBC for over 20 years, becoming Director of Television in April 2000, responsible for the management and running of all BBC network television channels. He joined the BBC in 1979 as a production trainee, helped launch Watchdog in 1981 and Breakfast Time in 1983 and also worked on London Plus before becoming an output editor on Newsnight in 1985. It is not yet know when he will take up his new post as he has to give six months' notice to Channel 4. Adrian Aylward, Headmaster of Stonyhurst College, said: "We are delighted at the news of Mark's appointment and wish him all the very best. It is always good to see former pupils reach the pinnacle of their chosen profession." Source: BBC/Stonyhurst