BBC veteran to be its new chairman

71-year-old at forefront of licence fee debate

- Mark Reynolds

VETERAN TV executive Samir Shah is poised to become the BBC's new chairman with the future of the licence fee at the top of his list.

He was announced as announced as Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer's preferred candidate in a statement released yesterday.

Mr Shah, 71, is set to take over from Richard Sharp, the former Goldman Sachs banker who resigned this year.

He previously worked as the BBC's head of current affairs and was responsible for its political coverage.

The corporation's chairman is chosen by the Government and is officially signed off by the Prime Minister.

Ms Frazer said Mr Shah has a "wealth of experience to bring to the position".

She added: "He has clear ambition to see the BBC succeed in a rapidly changing media landscape.