The succession race has begun even before the top man has departed: the ITV chief executive chase (or the CRR handicap stakes). Who will replace Charles Allen if he is indeed to depart the shores of the South Bank any time soon?
Cantor Index has Greg Dyke as favourite - but Organ Grinder thinks 7-4 is a bit short for the former BBC director-general, who did himself no favours being part of the failed private equity approach to ITV earlier in the year. More and more Dyke looks like yesterday's man, who lacks the political nous that is Allen's main claim to survival. Outgoing Ofcom chief Stephen Carter - 5-2 with Cantor - looks better value, as does Channel 4's Andy Duncan, at 7-2.
A good outside bet is Tony Ball, 8-1, a big beast who may have the appetite for another big challenge after a prolonged sabbatical from the jungle. Whether another ex-Sky man, Martin Stewart, is really worth a punt at 4-1 is more questionable. The pair have, however, been touted as a double act, with Ball as chairman.
The rest of the field is frankly unlikely to make the distance: former Capital radio boss David Mansfield (5-1), Channel Five's Jane Lighting (6-1), the BBC's John Smith (7-1) and Mark Byford (8-1) all have to go down as outsiders. As for former Channel 4 chief executive Michael Jackson (10-1), he's an unlikely option, but perhaps the odds are a touch long for a broadcaster with a proven track record. Completing the field is Charles Allen's onetime mentor at Granada, Gerry Robinson: 33-1 says it all.
Any other takers?
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