 In 1969 Attenborough was promoted to director of programmes, making him responsible for the output of both BBC channels.His tasks, which included agreeing budgets, attending board meetings and firing staff, were now far removed from the business of filming programmes.When Attenborough's name was being suggested as a candidate for the position of Director-General of the BBC in 1972, he phoned his brother Richard to confess that he had no appetite for the job.