The government has announced its preferred candidate for the chair position of the UK’s media regulatory body, Ofcom, selecting Ian Cheshire, a seasoned executive with extensive industry experience.
Pending approval from a parliamentary committee, Cheshire will be officially appointed for a four-year term in this critical role.
Cheshire has held significant leadership positions, previously serving as the chief executive of Kingfisher, the parent company of B&Q, and as the chair of Channel 4 until last year.
This announcement, made on Wednesday, arrives at a pivotal time for Ofcom, which faces challenges stemming from the rapid expansion of online content and an increase in politically biased broadcasting. The regulator is responsible for overseeing the Online Safety Act, which governs social media operations across the UK.
In his statement, Cheshire emphasized the importance of effective regulation, drawing from his experiences in e-commerce, telecommunications, and broadcasting. He remarked, “I have witnessed how crucial proper regulation is for consumers, businesses, and the broader economy.”
Cheshire added, “Ofcom has an essential role to fulfill during this period of significant transformation in communication, information access, and online safety. I am eager to present my vision for how Ofcom can address these challenges during my appearance before the select committee.”
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall praised Cheshire’s extensive experience, noting his successful leadership of complex organizations during times of change, which she believes is the type of guidance Ofcom requires currently.
In choosing Cheshire, the government opted for a candidate with a relatively non-political background, as he has also held positions on the boards of Barclays and Debenhams, in addition to his roles as chair of the FTSE 100 property firm Landsec and private medical provider Spire Healthcare. He has experience in public service as a non-executive director at the Cabinet Office.
Cheshire is set to take over from Michael Grade, the former chair of the BBC, who will vacate the position at the end of the month. According to Ofcom, the chair receives an annual salary of £120,000 for a commitment of three days per week.
Cheshire’s appointment will be contingent upon a parliamentary hearing conducted by the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, led by former Ofcom staff member Chi Onwurah.
Ofcom has faced criticism regarding its execution of certain elements of the Online Safety Act, with Kendall expressing her “deep concern” last year about delays in implementing the new regulations.
The legislation aims to compel social media companies to safeguard users, particularly minors, from harmful content that promotes hatred or encourages self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders.
In addition to its role in managing online safety, Ofcom is responsible for overseeing public service broadcasting, ensuring impartial news coverage, maintaining the universal postal service, and facilitating access to broadband and mobile services.
