The BBC is set to get a new head at its Board and he is going to be a British-Indian. Samir Shah has been nominated by the British government as the next chair to head the BBC’s board which is facing numerous challenges at the moment. Samir is a former non-executive director at BBC and a media executive.
BBC is battling a number of challenges at the moment including financial instability and a question over its independence. It has to face £500 million in cost cutting and a two year freeze on licensing fees which is the major source of revenue for the broadcasters.
Samir Shah has worked in media for more than four decades and he owns Juniper TV. Juniper TV is believed to have connections with the Conservative Party. This proximity is believed to be one of the reasons behind this appointment.
Shah was also on the government’s commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. Before getting a formal appointment, he would have to face a cross-party parliamentary select committee.
