Britain names Samir Shah as new BBC chairman
- India-born Samir Shah has worked in television for more than 40 years, including roles at the BBC
- Previous chairman Richard Sharp resigned in April over role in loan to former PM Boris Johnson
Britain’s government chose a new BBC chairman after the previous incumbent was forced to quit earlier this year over a loan to then-prime minister Boris Johnson.
“Shah has a wealth of experience to bring to the position of BBC Chair,” culture minister Lucy Frazer said in a post on X on Wednesday.
“He has a clear ambition to see the BBC succeed in a rapidly changing media landscape, and I have no doubt he will provide the support and scrutiny that the BBC needs to meet the challenges of the future.”
Shah’s appointment will almost certainly be ratified by a parliament committee and comes at a crucial time for the BBC, which is facing increased funding pressures.
The corporation is currently looking to make £500 million in savings and recently announced cutbacks to its flagship Newsnight programme.