Lord Currie To Chair New Communications Regulator
The DCMS has confirmed that Lord Currie of Marylebone will be appointed the first chair of the new communications regulator Ofcom.
Other candidates in the running for the position included Richard Hooper, the Radio Authority chairman, Lord Eatwell, the British Library chairman, and David Edmonds, director general of telecommunications regulator Oftel.
Currie will oversee the creation of Ofcom, covering broadcasting, telecommunications and the management of the radio spectrum in a future which is likely to see increased consolidation and the possibility of further involvement by multinational media giants as rules governing media ownership are relaxed.
Ofcom will combine the responsibilities of the existing regulators in these sectors, the Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC), the Independent Television Commission (ITC), Office of Telecommunications (Oftel), the Radio Authority and the Radiocommunications Agency. Once OFCOM is up and running, the chairman and Board will be responsible for administrating the new regulatory regime set out in the draft Communications Bill, published in May.
Announcing the appointment, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said: “David Currie is an outstanding choice for this position. I am sure his appointment will be widely welcomed throughout the whole industry. I am confident that his leadership and strategic view of regulation will enable OFCOM to help achieve the Government’s vision of making the UK home to the most dynamic and competitive communications and media market in the world.”
However, while the industry may be expected to welcome the decision, John Whittingdale, who has taken over from Tim Yeo as shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport, sounded a more cynical note: “The role of chairman of Ofcom is hugely important, and while there is no doubt that Lord Currie has many qualifications for the job, many people will undoubtedly see his appointment as another example of Labour cronyism. The reality is that Lord Currie will have to work hard to dispel the image of having gained his appointment through his relationship with senior figures in the Government, rather than because of his background and experience.”
DCMS: 020 7211 6200 www.culture.gov.uk
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