US EditionBritain picks business leader Ian Cheshire to chair media regulator
Cheshire is set to focus on enforcing the Online Safety Act as Ofcom faces pressure to act faster on child protection and big tech oversight.
- Technology Secretary Liz Kendall selected Sir Ian Cheshire as Ofcom chair for a four-year term, pending approval from MPs.
- Cheshire was chosen over Labour MP Baroness Hodge of Barking and Sir Jeremy Wright; sources suggest Wright faced rejection to avoid Conservative backlash and Hodge was passed over amid cronyism concerns.
- Critics note Cheshire lacks a track record in online safety, questioning his suitability for the role. He also faces scrutiny over his past role at the Prince of Wales's Charitable Fund, which accepted £2.5 million in cash from a Qatari politician.
- Before taking office, Cheshire must appear before a parliamentary select committee for approval, where he will likely face questions regarding his past decision to approve a CBE for disgraced Post Office chief Paula Vennells.
- Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, stated there "couldn't be a more crucial time" for Ofcom to deliver robust enforcement of the Online Safety Act.
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The Independent
The Independent (US)Former Channel 4 chair Sir Ian Cheshire chosen to steer Ofcom
Sir Ian Cheshire named as government's preferred candidate to lead communications watchdog
Ian Cheshire to Helm Ofcom Amidst Growing Online Challenges
Ian Cheshire has been selected to chair Ofcom, the UK media regulator. Previously, he chaired Channel 4 and held leadership roles at Kingfisher and Barclays UK. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall praised Cheshire's experience in guiding complex organizations through change, stating he's well-suited for Ofcom's current challenges.
UK Gov Shortlists Sir Ian Cheshire to Chair Ofcom as Michael Grade Exits
The Government have announced that Sir Ian Cheshire has been shortlisted as their preferred candidate to become the next Chair of UK telecoms, internet and media regulator, Ofcom – subject to a parliamentary hearing before final appointment. The post is currently held by Michael Grade (Lord Grade of Yarmouth), but his 4-year term is due to end on 30th April 2026. Sir Ian is the former Chair of Channel 4 and his career spans senior leadership rol…
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