UK (Commonwealth Union)_ Dr. Samir Shah, a media executive of Indian origin, has been confirmed as the new BBC chairman, marking a historic moment in the broadcaster’s history. His selection, approved by King Charles III, follows rigorous scrutiny and examination, culminating in his appointment this week. With over four decades of experience in UK broadcasting, Mr. Shah emerged as the government’s preferred candidate in December last year, undergoing questioning by cross-party MPs of the House of Commons Media Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee as part of his pre-appointment scrutiny.
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At 72 years old, Dr. Shah assumes the role of BBC Chairman on a four-year term, with an annual salary of £160,000, beginning March 4 and extending until March 2028. UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer lauded his appointment, citing his extensive career in TV production and journalism, coupled with a steadfast commitment to seeing the BBC navigate the evolving media landscape successfully. She expressed confidence in his ability to provide the necessary support and oversight essential for the BBC’s future endeavors. She stated, “With a career spanning more than 40 years in TV production and journalism, Dr Shah has a wealth of experience to bring to the position of BBC Chair”. She added, “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”.
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Dr. Shah, the honorable recipient of the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 for his contributions to television and heritage, succeeds Richard Sharp, who resigned following scrutiny of his communication with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The government underscores Mr. Shah’s familiarity with the British Broadcasting Corporation and his advocacy for diversity in broadcasting as critical assets in ensuring the BBC’s alignment with the needs and aspirations of communities across the UK.
Reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Shah articulated his dedication to leveraging his skills, experience, and commitment to public service broadcasting to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the BBC in the years ahead. He emphasized the BBC’s pivotal role in British life and its unique responsibility to engage diverse audiences across the nation amidst an increasingly competitive media landscape. He 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. If I am able to put the skills, experience, and understanding of public service broadcasting that I have built up during my career to help this brilliant organization meet the complex and diverse challenges it faces over the coming years, it would be an honor”.
Mr. Shah added, “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 fulfills this in an increasingly competitive market”. Mr. Shah was born in Aurangabad and relocated to England in 1960. He has held key positions, including head of current affairs and political programs at the BBC. Prior to assuming the role of BBC Chair, he served as CEO of Juniper since 1998, an independent television and radio production company.
Recognized for his contributions, Mr. Shah was elected a Fellow of the Royal Television Society in 2002 and appointed Visiting Professor of Creative Media at Oxford University in 2019. Additionally, the University of Nottingham conferred upon him a Special Professorship in the Department of Post-Conflict Studies. As an Oxford University alumnus, Mr. Shah co-authored the government’s Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report in 2021, underscoring his expertise in race relations. In his capacity as Chair, Mr. Shah assumes responsibility for upholding the BBC’s independence, ensuring its decisions serve the public interest, and safeguarding its role as a vital cultural institution in British society.
