The ffresh Slant

Britain's good grey BBC, stiffly challenged by commercial TV, has been denying for months that it plans to cater to anything so vulgar as popular taste. Its critics have seen the taint of the common touch in the BBC's decision to accent TV while lopping two hours daily off the five-hour highbrow Third Program. But last week they could take heart in a new appointment. As chairman of its board of governors with complete control over all radio and TV programs, the BBC named Rugby Headmaster Sir Arthur fforde, 56, who does not own a TV set and seldom listens to the radio.

Sir Arthur was a solicitor and civil-service administrator before he took over Rugby nine years ago. Asked about his views on rock 'n' roll, he said: "I know nothing about [it], but I'm prepared to study." As to the Third Program cuts, he had reassuring words: "I was somewhat appalled when I heard the BBC were cutting it down. But having gone into the matter, I find the change may not be as catastrophic as was first supposed." The BBC stands ready to remedy its new boss's lack of a TV set when he takes over in January. Said a spokesman: "We will install one free in his office and also in his home if he desires."

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