BBC says outgoing director-general get year's salary after 54 days on the job

LONDON – The BBC says its former director-general will get a full year's salary after 54 days in the post.

George Entwistle resigned Saturday under pressure after a BBC news program bungled reports that powerful Britons sexually abused children.

The BBC's governing body confirmed on Sunday that Entwistle would get a payoff of 450,000 pounds ($715,000). It says the settlement took into consideration that Entwistle would continue working on BBC business, including two inquiries in the child abuse scandal.

John Whittingdale, chairman of the House of Commons committee on culture, media and sport, says he was surprised by the settlement and has sought an explanation.