There was never anything but unwavering support from Helen Boaden, Mark Thompson, Mark Byford and all the other bosses.

BBC: We are not afraid

This is in stark contrast to other senior executives at the BBC, including former director general Mark Thompson and director of news Helen Boaden, who both told the inquiry they had never heard any "rumours" about the DJ.

BBC: Savile inquiry: Media reaction to BBC transcripts

The Director of News, Helen Boaden, and the Controller of Radio Four, Mark Damazer, have both made clear that, although Ed will not be presenting Today, they want, and expect, him to remain a part of their plans, on radio in particular, for many years to come.

BBC: Today

Many have shaken their heads at the sheer vulgarity of it all, among them Mark Twain, Helen Keller, Henry James, his brother William, and Sigmund Freud.

ECONOMIST: The man and his pen

And to mark the occasion, he called first on the veteran of the press corps, Helen Thomas.

NPR: Bush: No Moves on Iraq Until September