The UK is set to name lifelong television industry veteran Samir Shah as chairman of the century-old British Broadcasting Corp.
Shah, 71, who was previously a director on the BBC’s board and has held roles at the corporation leading political and current affairs television, will be announced in the role on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the discussions.He’s currently chief executive officer of British production company Juniper Communications.
He takes over from Richard Sharp, who resigned after an official inquiry found Sharp breached rules by failing to fully disclose ties to the UK’s Conservative Party leadership.
The corporation is funded by a £159 ($200) annual levy, which it sets with the government, on everyone in Britain who watches live television or uses the BBC’s on-demand streaming service. The BBC has had to compete with deep-pocketed US streaming companies while being forced to make cuts as it contends with a license fee that’s been held flat in recent years.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which is responsible for appointing the chairman role, and Shah’s current company Juniper declined to comment. Shah’s appointment was previously reported by the Financial Times.