Jane Root, the former controller of BBC Two, is quitting Discovery to return to Britain to pursue “other opportunities”. That triggers all sorts of speculation about whether she is ready to be interviewed for the vacant controllership of BBC One. Although many high-profile names have ruled themselves out, BBC bosses are quite content with the shortlist it has. Last time Peter Fincham’s appointment was a surprise; the attractions of the job – running Britain’s most watched channel – are not inconsiderable. A winner is likely to emerge soon.

–– How much does Jonathan Ross earn? The widely trailed figure is £18 million over three years, which has allowed various critics of the BBC to beat the Corporation over the head for overspending. Insiders, though, insist that the true figure is much lower, comfortably under £5 million a year, but the word is that it is still large enough not to look good. Nevertheless, while disclosure of salaries is never wise, the BBC has taken such a hit on the Ross deal it ought to find a way of getting the real figure out there.

–– A reunion of Johnny Vaughan and Denise van Outen on Vaughan’s breakfast show on Capital 95.8 on Tuesday showed that there is a way out of the London station’s problems. Ms van Outen, who was promoting her appearance in the West End musical Rent, could have been mistaken for its presenter, soon putting Vaughan in his place, staying nearly an hour longer than her alotted time and bringing back the Big Breakfast banter. A simple strategy for a new chief executive to adopt.

–– How long is Malcolm Wall going to stay at Virgin Media, as other executives head for the exits? At one point he looked like he was going to run ITV, and he would surely be interested in becoming chief executive of GCap Media, the Capital Radio to Classic FM combine. After all, what else is there to do at Virgin Media, if it is sold?

–– Sir David Arculus is busy, chasing Emap’s magazines and radio businesses with the help of private equity groups TPG and DLJ. If they win, he will be nonexecutive chairman, and current management, led by magazine supremo Paul Keenan, will stay. But a bid for the magazines on their own may materialise, and TPG may choose to go it alone.

Times Recommends

• Lies and cover-up at MG Rover exposed by report
• High oil prices push manufacturing costs up
• Primark founder steps down as chief executive