Tony Hall has decided that BBC Three will become an online service only, in one of the most significant decisions he's made since taking over as director general almost a year ago. The change is designed to make cost savings which, he says, can be used to help fund drama on BBC One.

True to form, Lord Hall avoided the tough scrutiny of programmes such as Newsnight, preferring instead to subject himself to interviews by the likes of BBC media correspondent David Sillito and Radio 1 Newsbeat presenter Chris Smith.

Evening Standard journalist Nick Curtis was also granted an interview. Mr Curtis said that it was "either bravery or folly" that Tony Hall had agreed to talk to him. Mr Curtis concluded his piece with the belief that Tony Hall was "more brave than foolish."

Whilst this was undoubtedly one of Lord Hall's more difficult times, a far more demanding test will be the publication of Dame Janet Smith's Report later in the year. Any attempt to avoid the thorough scrutiny needed for that would make the DG look enervated.