UK ministers have chosen veteran television executive Samir Shah as the new BBC chair, succeeding Richard Sharp, the former Goldman Sachs banker who resigned earlier this year.
With a 40-year career in TV, Shah previously served as a BBC non-executive director in 2007 and held positions such as head of current affairs. As the head of the BBC board, he will immediately face challenges, including the renegotiation of the licence fee leading up to the renewal of the corporation's charter in 2027.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, confirming the appointment, expressing confidence in Shah's clear ambition to guide the BBC amid a rapidly changing media landscape. Shah, acknowledging the BBC's significant global impact, emphasised its role as a key contributor to global culture and a powerful asset in terms of soft power.
In a statement, Shah expressed his delight at being named the government's preferred candidate for the position. This comes after the resignation of Mr. Sharp earlier in the year, who stepped down due to rule violations related to interactions with Boris Johnson prior to his appointment.
The role of BBC chair, a political appointment sanctioned by the government and approved by the prime minister, involves acting as an intermediary between the corporation and government officials often critical of its news coverage, size, and budget.
