They are looking for a candidate with impeccable public service credentials and experience in running a broadcaster.
Former BBC2 controller Root, in particular, might be a strong candidate as she has the public service credentials that Lord Burns is seeking in potential candidates.
Barring a shock outsider getting the job, the likely shortlist is reassuring on public service credentials but looks a touch uneven in terms of cultural vision.
Further down the road, the launch of the BBC's own interactive media player (iMP) and creative archive should both boost the BBC's public service credentials.
Channel 4, which is proving its public service credentials by leading the way on diversity issues, hopes it will be up and running by the summer.
Both Radio 1 and Radio 2 have done much in recent years to promote their public service credentials outside of their mainstream daytime output, but the Radio Centre research appeared to suggest this perception was not shared by the public.
It is understood that, despite Burns being keen for the new chief executive to have public service credentials, Abraham's commercial combination of pay-TV and digital management experience won the day.
The sixth chief executive of Channel 4, Abraham does not share the public service credentials of most of his predecessors, but boasts plenty of pay-TV and digital management experience.
A recruitment agency put her forward for a credit controller role because of her strong customer service credentials – while in prison, Michaela secured day release to work at a cobbler and key-cutting firm.
An expert in criminal law and criminal justice, Crespo's public service credentials include serving as a staff attorney in the Trial Division of the Public Defender Service in Washington, D.C., prior to joining the law faculty.
