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UK MPs raise concern of Indian origin Samir Shah being appointed as BBC chair
A House of Commons Committee report said Samir Shah “did not sufficiently demonstrate the strength of character that is needed to challenge the executive leadership of the BBC
Samir Shah / Image – juniper.co.uk
Members of Parliament in the UK have raised concerns about Samir Shah’s appointment as the government’s choice to be the next BBC chair. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer had announced on December 6 that Shah was the preferred candidate for the position, following Richard Sharp’s resignation in April.
On December 13, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee interviewed Shah to assess if he was the correct fit for the role. A report published by the House of Commons Committee on Dec 15 said Shah’s appointment was officially approved. However, the committee expressed “disappointment” over his unwillingness “to express a view on fundamental principles, such as board level interference in the BBC and other bodies and on political impartiality.” The report further said, Shah “did not sufficiently demonstrate the strength of character that is needed to challenge the executive leadership of the BBC.”
The decision to appoint Shah as the BBC chair was green-lighted by the Committee. However, with confirmation of his appointment, Shah is expected to appear before the Committee within the first three months of appointment to demonstrate he has sufficiently considered and addressed their concerns.
A Department of Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said, “We thank the committee for their report, which confirms the committee’s view that Dr Shah is appointable for the role of BBC chair. Dr Shah’s over 40-year career in TV production and journalism coupled with his ambition to see the BBC succeed make him well-equipped to take on the job. We will review the committee’s recommendations in greater detail and respond in due course.”
The BBC is a publicly funded public service broadcaster. In early 2023, it objected to a new label describing it as “government-funded media”. The BBC confirmed it has always been “independent” and was “funded by the British public through the license fee.” Its positioning as a publicly funded entity warrants the culture secretary and Prime Minister’s involvement in appointing the broadcaster’s chair.
After confirmation from the culture secretary, the candidate, in this case, Shah, must attend a pre-appointment hearing with the Culture, Media and Sport committee. Upon the committee’s approval, the Prime Minister makes a recommendation to the King who then rubber-stamps the appointment.
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