Commercial Radio Body Appoints Elstein As Chairman
The Commercial Radio Companies Association has announced that former Channel 5 chief executive, David Elstein, take over as chairman next month following the departure of Lord Eatwell.
Eatwell has been credited with many key achievements throughout his four-year chairmanship, including maintaining industry unity despite increasing competition, promoting understanding of the medium and securing several vital legislative gains during the formulation of the Communications Act.
Paul Brown, chief executive of CRCA said: “The CRCA is enormously grateful for the valuable contribution John has made to the Association specifically and to commercial radio in general over the past four years.”
He added: “New rules and new regulators usher in the prospect of much change for commercial radio and I am delighted to be able to announce, David Elstein as CRCA’s new chairman. His deep knowledge of the UK media industry and obvious enthusiasm for broadcasting creativity make him ideal for the role.”
Elstein will join the radio association with a background primarily in television, having worked for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five and Sky. Believed by some to be the cleverest man in broadcasting, he is also the youngest person ever to graduate with a double first from Cambridge University.
Commenting on his appointment, Elstein said: “I am delighted to become CRCA chairman. Despite my background in television I have a keen interest in radio and I look forward to working with CRCA as new legislation, under the guardianship of a new regulator, opens up exciting possibilities and challenges for the UK commercial radio industry.”
Elstein recently caused a stir with proposals that the BBC licence fee be reduced and commercial broadcasters allowed to bid for funding to make public service programmes. Although the proposals received widespread support from industry figures, the plans have since been dismissed by the Government (see Government Dismisses Plans To Abolish BBC Licence Fee).
CRCA: 0207 306 2603 www.crca.co.uk
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