December 7, 2023
2 mins read

Samir Shah Named as Government’s Choice for BBC Chairman

Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens, a BBC board member, stepped in as acting Chairwoman following his exit…reports Asian Lite News

TV executive Samir Shah has been named as the government’s choice for the new BBC Chairman, following Richard Sharp’s resignation in April, media reports said.

Shah, 71, previously held a series of roles at the BBC, including as its head of current affairs.

In a statement, he said he was “delighted” to have been named the government’s preferred candidate, BBC reported.

Sharp resigned earlier this year after breaking rules over dealings with then Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of his appointment.

Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens, a BBC board member, stepped in as acting Chairwoman following his exit.

Although the BBC is politically independent, its Chairperson is appointed by the government.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said that Dr Shah had “a wealth of experience to bring to the position”.

“He has a clear ambition to see the BBC succeed in a rapidly changing media landscape, and I have no doubt he will provide the support and scrutiny that the BBC needs to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future,” she added.

Dr Shah said: “The BBC is, without doubt, one of the greatest contributions we have made to global culture and one of our strongest calling cards on soft power.

“The BBC has a great place in British life and a unique duty to reach a wide audience right across the country and I will do all I can to ensure it fulfils this in an increasingly competitive market.”

As Chairman of the BBC’s board, Dr Shah will be in charge of upholding and protecting the BBC’s independence and ensuring the BBC fulfils its mission to inform, educate and entertain, BBC reported.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We welcome the announcement that Samir Shah has been selected as the Government’s preferred candidate to take up the role of BBC chair and look forward to him joining the Board once the formal process has been completed.”

His selection marks a sea change, as it means there will now be a journalist at the top of the BBC.

Shah has worked in TV for more than 40 years, starting at London Weekend Television in 1979, BBC reported.

Since then, he has held positions as the BBC’s head of television current affairs, and later went on to head the corporation’s political journalism across radio and television.

In 2007, he was appointed as a non-executive director on the BBC Board.

Shah is currently chief executive of Juniper, an independent production company, which supplies programmes to the BBC, as well as other organisations including Channel 4, Netflix and National Geographic, BBC reported.

ALSO READ-Huw named as BBC presenter at centre of new row

Previous Story

Republican Rivals Target Haley in Alabama Debate

Next Story

Kevin McCarthy Announces Resignation from Congress

Latest from -Top News

Taliban Makes It Official

As Afghanistan nears the fourth anniversary of the Taliban takeover, Akhundzada, ruling largely from Kandahar, ordered ministers to drop the “caretaker” tag….reports Asian Lite News The Taliban’s reclusive supreme leader, Mullah Hibatullah

India’s Space Hero Back

Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 private space mission, which lifted off from Florida on June 25 and docked at the ISS on June 26…reports Asian Lite News Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla

No deal but ‘progress made’, says Trump

President Putin praised Trump’s efforts to facilitate dialogue and reaffirming that Ukraine’s security must be guaranteed. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a landmark summit in Anchorage, Alaska,

UAE celebrates India@79

Indian expats in Abu Dhabi and Dubai marked India’s 79th Independence Day with flag-hoisting, cultural performances, and heartfelt tributes, celebrating decades of deep UAE–India friendship….reports Asian Lite News The colours of saffron,

India and America are a strange couple

No Indian leader has ever been so fond of an American President as Modi has been of Trump, writes Mihir Bose India and America have always had a curious love affair. They
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Trump takes a dig on Biden

Trump believes that the Russia-Ukraine issue can lead to world

Trump Increases Tariff on Canadian Imports Amid Growing Tensions

In addition to the tariff hikes on steel and aluminum,