Today: 31 May 2025
7 December 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

Adventures Unleashed

Latest from -Top News

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

Mohammed honours football champions

Ruler of Dubai hails players as role models during palace reception His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, received the

Abu Dhabi sets 2050 energy vision

Abu Dhabi unveils AED400 billion energy roadmap, inked climate finance pact ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping strategic framework to transform its energy and water sector

Gargash: UAE’s pragmatism sets regional example

Anwar Gargash says the UAE stands as a beacon of what is possible when pragmatism and vision come together. As political instability, economic fragmentation and rapid technological change continue to reshape the

US flag returns to Damascus

Billions in energy deals and lifted sanctions mark Syria’s reintegration, as US reopens embassy and declares the war-torn nation “open for business” under new regional partnerships. The United States has reopened its
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Nikki Haley Emerges as Strong Contender for 2024

Haley began overseeing the store’s financial books, and after graduating

US govt should stop Trump’s maximum pressure policy against Iran

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh has said the current