BACC Raids Channel 4 For Chief As Coomber Steps Down
The Broadcast Advertising Clearance Centre (BACC), the body responsible for the pre-transmission examination and clearance of television advertisements, has announced the appointment of Channel 4’s head of ad sales, Andy Barnes, as the new chairman of its copy committee.
The new role will see Barnes chair a monthly meeting with six senior representatives from television companies, designed to direct policy and offer guidance on contentious projects, particularly where a resolution cannot be reached in the normal course of discussion.
Barnes is one of the most respected and knowledgeable figures in the TV sales sector, having headed Channel 4’s advertising sales operation since it began selling its own airtime in 1993. The appointment makes Barnes only the non-ITV representative to act as chair of the copy committee, which is used by broadcasters to exercise professional control over the activities of the BACC.
Commenting on his appointment, Barnes said: “Filling the shoes of Peter Shea will be a tough task as Peter has worked incredibly hard to further the position of the BACC. This is an interesting time to be taking over the chairmanship of the BACC as the regulatory world tries to adapt to the new era of self regulation.
“A lot of challenges lie ahead, particularly with regard to alcohol and food advertising. It is my desire that all sides of the television advertising world should speak as openly, honestly and regularly as possible in order to come up with the best solutions to the challenges this new world will produce and quickly decide on where the new boundaries lie.”
Today also saw the announcement that Ron Coomber, head of the BACC, is to leave the organisation at the end of June.
Coomber took the position following a reorganisation as part of the ITV merger, with a remit to review the business, instigate technological change and introduce digital delivery of commercial copy.
The last 12 months have seen Coomber formulate a programme of change that will deliver a more customer focused approach, as well as delivering clearer lines of responsibility and workflow improvements. The regulator steps down with an enhanced development schedule firmly on the way towards creation and a new digital delivery strategy working successfully.
A spokesperson for the BACC said: “Ron has worked incredibly hard to deliver change in a pressurised and challenging environment. We are sorry to see him go, but wish him well in his new endeavours.”
BACC: www.bacc.org.uk