"We're heading towards a period where it is probably the case that we'll be able to secure the best talent for less than we've been able to in the past few years." - The BBC director-general, Mark Thompson, signals an end to big money deals the BBC offers its talent in the wake of the furore over the Brand-Ross affair
"Let's knock a few things on the head. The licence fee is here to stay under the Conservatives." - The shadow culture spokesman, Jeremy Hunt, believes the basic principle of the licence fee is a good one.