Root's comments come at a time when broadcasters are being criticised for failings to make more distinctive programming.
At a time when broadcasters commanded a much higher share of the audience than they do today, Stoddard stood even higher than the rest, as a principled executive with sophisticated taste and a number of groundbreaking hits.
This was a time when female broadcasters were a rarity and it placed her in a key position for the city's burgeoning, predominately left-leaning folk scene, whose circle included Guthrie, Aunt Mollie Jackson, Leadbelly, Seeger and Josh White.
He left at a time when numerous broadcasters and media personalities were removed from their positions during Sadat's Corrective Revolution.
That would propel Patten into the £110,000-a-year, four-day a week role at a time when the public broadcaster has just asked for 20% cuts to meet the flat licence fee settlement imposed by the government last year.
One thing is certain, though, Zaslav's cable foray comes at a time when traditional and cable broadcasters are wrestling with how to become digital properties.
However, the international success of these British series also comes at a time when the four public-service broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – have reduced the amount they spend on drama by 44% since 2008.
At a time when educational programmes of other broadcasters are lacking, we want to provide high quality programmes for our young viewers," said Duska Vucinic, Head of Public Relations and Corporate Image of RTS.
Five, owned by pan-European broadcaster RTL, has been pursuing a merger with Channel 4 for months, arguing that the resulting cost savings would secure the future of both broadcasters at a time when they are facing one of the most challenging advertising markets for decades.
"You don't commit to a single broadcaster for eight years at a time when there are other players in the field," he told BBC Radio Manchester.
