Ex-Channel 4 News Editor Joins Ofcom Board
Sara Nathan, former editor of Channel 4 News, has been appointed acting deputy chair of the content advisory board at the new communications super-regulator, Ofcom.
Although the appointment is temporary, it has been speculated she will keep the position after the initial development period, giving her one of the most powerful positions in television.
The content advisory board, chaired by Richard Hooper, will be a separate branch of the main Ofcom board and it will have the power to fine the BBC up to £250,000 for breaching programme regulations (see BBC To Face Regulatory Fines Under Ofcom). Nathan is also a non-executive member of the main Ofcom board.
Lord Currie, Chairman of Ofcom commented: “I am confident that the content board, once established, will focus both on its statutory obligations regarding broadcasting compliance, yet retain a broad and creative vision of the content world.”
The announcement marks a dramatic reinvention for Nathan, who was unceremoniously ousted from her role as editor of Channel 4 News by former chief executive, Michael Jackson. In her new role at Ofcom she will have jurisdiction over the output of the entire channel.
Although it is a key position, industry figures have suggested the main action at Ofcom will be in competition issues, as opposed to the content board.
Ofcom is expected to appoint a chief executive late next year. A number of key figures have been linked to the position including ITC chief executive, Patricia Hodgson.
A report prepared with the Government and existing regulators by consultants Towers Perrin and Ernst & Young has suggested 200 jobs will be lost, as the five regulators merge to form Ofcom. According to the study, the current staff of 1,100 will be reduced to 900 in order to eliminate duplication and improve efficiency.
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