New BBC chair to warn on public broadcasting future

New BBC chair Dr Samir Shah is expected to say the fight is on” for the future of homegrown programming produced by the corporation as well as ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5.

- CASEY COOPER-FISKE

In his first major speech as chair, Dr Shah will say public service broadcasting is a “very British success story”, when he speaks to a gathering of TV industry figures and decision makers at Leeds Conservatoire tomorrow.

The TV and radio executive, who has worked in broadcasting for more than 40 years, is expected to launch a passionate defence of the industry during the rise of digital streaming, celebrating the economic, social and cultural benefits of the sector.

But he will warn: “Action is needed now to future-proof public service broadcasters, otherwise our very British success story will be part of our halcyon past.”