- Advice for Consumers
- How to complain
- Ofcom licensing
- Find a document
- Research and Market Data
- Consultations
- Competition and Consumer Bulletin
- Media and Analysts
- Contacting Ofcom
- About Ofcom
Home > Media and Analysts > News Release Archive > 2006 > Apr > 07|04|06
07|04|06
Future of Ofcom Content Board
Ofcom today announced the outcome of a review of the role of its Content Board – the committee of the main Ofcom Board with delegated responsibility for content issues.
The review was undertaken by Philip Graf as a priority following his appointment as Chairman of the Content Board and Deputy Chairman of Ofcom, effective 1 January 2006. It seeks to:
- take forward the significant contribution of the Content Board to date in shaping Ofcom’s policies on content matters;
- expand the Content Board’s focus on digital content with the transition to all-digital television broadcasting due to begin in two years' time; and to broaden the scope, experience and engagement of the Content Board in this area.
The initial terms of appointment of all current Non-Executive members of the Content Board expire at the end of June 2006. To support Philip Graf in this work and in acknowledgement of the Content Board’s extended role in a broad range of digital content matters, Adam Singer has been appointed as Deputy Chairman of the Content Board.
Additionally, Content Board member Kath Worrall has been appointed Chairman of the Fairness Committee – the committee responsible for the discharge of Ofcom’s functions in relation to fairness and privacy complaints – to ensure continuity in this critical area of the Content Board’s work.
Recruitment
Ofcom will be running a recruitment and reapplication process between now and 1 June 2006. The Content Board will play a critical role in shaping Ofcom's approach to digital broadcasting and the growth of content delivery over digital networks. Ofcom will therefore seek to recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds with extensive experience and understanding of the changing nature of the UK digital content industries.
Ofcom Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Content Board Philip Graf said: "The Content Board has significant responsibilities; it has brought substantial insight and scrutiny to bear in its approach to traditional broadcast regulation. In the years ahead it will have even greater focus on emerging challenges such as rights management and user understanding of multiple digital platforms.”
He added: "I am delighted that Adam will be working alongside me to shape the work of the Content Board in the future and that we will continue to benefit from Kath’s broadcasting industry expertise.”
Ofcom Chairman David Currie said: " The Content Board has contributed greatly to Ofcom’s work; Philip’s appointment offered the opportunity to look afresh at how it should engage with the complex issues affecting rapidly converging markets."
He added: "Philip and Adam have a clear vision; these changes will build on a strong foundation to ensure the Content Board remains fit for purpose in the years ahead.”
Ends.
NOTES FOR EDITORS AND CSEs
1. Adam Singer was appointed to the Content Board in May 2003. He has worked at the most senior levels in broadcasting and telecoms, in the UK, the U.S. and Japan. He launched the Discovery Channel in the UK and Europe and was its first MD. He helped create UKTV with the BBC and is a former Chairman and CEO of Flextech plc, whose portfolio included the Living, Bravo and Trouble channels. For two years he was CEO of Telewest plc, providing telephone, broadband and TV programming. Adam began his media career in a variety of programming roles, with companies such as the BBC, Viacom and United Artists. In February 2005 Adam joined the MCPS-PRS Alliance as Group Chief Executive.
2. Kath Worrall was appointed to the Content Board in May 2003. She works as a freelance consultant following a distinguished career in broadcasting with Border Television, where she was Director of Broadcasting, and the BBC. She is a Fellow of the Royal Television Society and a former Commissioner for the Broadcasting Standards Commission.
3. The Content Board currently consists of 11 members – two Executive and nine Non-Executive. As required under Section 12 of the Communications Act 2003, four Non-Executive members are appointed to represent to Ofcom the interests and opinions of people living in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. Non-Executive members of the Content Board were appointed on three year terms in May 2003.
Back to top