DCMS 23/99 Culture Secretary Chris Smith today announced that Lord Holme of Cheltenham will be the new Deputy Chairman of the Independent Television Commission. The term of the new appointment is three years from 1 February 1999.
Mr Smith said:
" The ITC Deputy Chairmanship is an important post in the UK broadcasting environment. The Commission will face many new challenges over the next few years, including the development of policy on convergence, issues linked to the launch of commercial digital television and the application of the media ownership controls set out in the Broadcasting Act 1996.
"Richard Holme was selected from a strong field of candidates as he has the right mix of personal qualities to help the Commission perform these tasks. His wide experience and communication skills will be a major asset to the Commission.''
Biographical details
Lord Holme of Cheltenham is 62 years old. He has been Parliamentary Spokesman on Northern Ireland for the Liberal Democrats since 1990. He has had an extensive career in business and has been Chairman of the Threadneedle Publishing Group since 1988. Lord Holme holds no other public appointments.
Notes for Editors
1. The Independent Television Commission licenses commercial television services in the UK including terrestrial services (the Channel 3 licensees, Channel 4 and Channel 5), cable and satellite services, public teletext and certain other data services. It regulates these services through its published licences, codes and guidelines and has a range of penalties for failure to comply. The Commission is funded from fees payable by licensees and applicants for licences and employs about 180 staff.
2. Under the Broadcasting Act 1996 the Commission took on additional responsibilities including licensing and regulating digital terrestrial television services and applying the cross-media ownership rules set out in the Act, particularly the public interest test for mergers and acquisitions.
3. Lord Holme has been appointed Deputy Chairman for three years from 1 February 1999. The remuneration is #17,300, plus expenses for an expected time commitment of one and a half days per week. # = pounds sterling
