Digital economy legislation fits the bill for Michael Grade

Michael Grade couldn't be more effusive about the digital economy bill if he tried. In a piece for the Financial Times today, the outgoing ITV executive chairman attacks critics of the bill for getting things "badly wrong" by questioning its approach to public service broadcasting. No way does the bill duck BBC issues such as executive pay – it's not the right forum to decide the corporation's future, he says. And it's even more exemplary when it comes to the commercial broadcasters. "From where I am sitting – here at ITV Towers – the digital economy bills looks like a first-rate piece of legislation ... I sincerely hope the bill becomes an act well before the guillotine of a general election." And before Gordon puts the finishing touches to that farewell honours list. Lord Grade of ITV Towers has a certain ring to it.