Tony Blackburn returns to the BBC: the benefits of a returning employee

Tony Blackburn is set to return to the BBC eight months after he was sacked following an investigation, and subsequent publication, of a report into sexual abuse at the corporation - The BBC reports. 

At the time, the veteran radio DJ alleged that Tony Hall, the corporation’s Director-General, had personally decided to dismiss him. Blackburn said he would sue, but his complaint was rejected by the BBC Trust in the summer.

Blackburn says of his return: “I have had a difficult year personally, but I’m pleased to be returning to the BBC and can’t wait to get behind the mic again.”

A BBC spokesperson comments: “The BBC stands by the findings of Dame Janet Smith and the decision it made to take Tony Blackburn off air at the start of this year based on Dame Janet Smith’s preference for the documentary evidence relating to meetings that took place over Tony Blackburn’s statements.”