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Kirsty Young's castaway is former Director-General of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Greg Dyke.

Kirsty Young's castaway this week is Greg Dyke. A top flight TV executive known for being instinctual and populist, his appointment as Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Director-General was an uncharacteristically bold move for the corporation and an extraordinary moment for a youngster once marked out by his teachers as 'the boy least likely to succeed'. A natural businessman who relishes taking risks, his greatest successes have come from his ability to spot the moment and act quickly. He saved TV-am with Roland Rat, moved the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Nine O'Clock News at a fortnight's notice and thwarted Rupert Murdoch's digital hopes by backing Freeview.

But his critics say that it is his passion and instinct that ultimately led to his downfall. He was forced to resign from the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ after a bitter row that erupted between the corporation and Downing Street about its coverage of the Iraq war. His departure, which followed considerable mud-slinging, ill temper and tragedy, prompted a huge display of loyalty from his staff as thousands gathered on the steps to wish him a tearful goodbye. Since then, he's kept a low profile - but doesn't rule out a return to high office if the right job came along.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan
Book: Complete Works by Dylan Thomas
Luxury: A guitar with a guide to playing it.

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Fri 25 May 2007 09:00

Music Played

  • Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

    Born To Run

    • Born to Run.
    • CBS.
  • Buddy Holly

    It Doesn't Matter Anymore

    • The Very Best of Buddy Holly and the Crickets.
    • Universal Music TV.
  • The Beatles

    Strawberry Fields Forever

    • Magical Mystery Tour.
    • Parlophone.
  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Bob Dylan

      Like a Rolling Stone

      • Bob Dylan: Essential.
      • Columbia.
  • Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

    Summertime (from Porgy & Bess)

    • Ella and Louis Sing Gershwin.
    • Verve.
  • Meat Loaf

    Bat Out Of Hell

    • 18 Rock Classics Vol 3.
    • Pickwick.
  • Jerry Lee Lewis

    Great Balls of Fire

    • 50s No 1s Vol 2.
    • Old Gold.
  • Blur

    Country House

    • The Best Album in the World Ever.
    • Virgin Rec.
  • Book Choice

    • Complete Works - Dylan Thomas

  • Luxury Choice

    • A guitar with a guide to playing it

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Kirsty Young
Interviewed Guest Greg Dyke

Broadcasts

  • Sun 20 May 2007 11:15
  • Fri 25 May 2007 09:00

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