Cristina Nicolotti Squires has today been appointed to lead Ofcom’s work in regulating the UK’s TV, radio and on-demand industries.
Cristina joins Ofcom’s Senior Management Team as Group Director for Broadcasting and Media. She will lead the group responsible for broadcasting policy and regulation, which plays a pivotal role in fostering a dynamic creative sector in the UK.
Ofcom’s Broadcasting and Media group, which Cristina will lead, sets and upholds standards on air. Our regulation protects audiences from offensive and harmful material, upholds the integrity of news and current affairs programmes, and preserves freedom of expression. The Group also ensures that broadcasters continue to provide quality programmes and services that meet the changing needs of viewers and listeners.
Cristina brings more than 30 years of broadcasting experience to the role. Most recently she was Director of Content at Sky News, leading teams responsible for creating content across TV, radio and digital platforms during a period of non-stop news. During this time, she successfully launched new TV news programmes and a range of digital and audio products.
Before this Cristina was Editor at ITN’s 5 News, responsible for provision of TV news programmes and digital content for Channel 5. She also held senior leadership positions at ITV News after starting her career in print and local TV news.
Speaking about her appointment, Cristina said: “We've never had so much choice of where and how to get our entertainment and information, and never has it been so important to ensure fairness and accuracy while embracing the fundamental principle of free speech.
“I am delighted to be taking on this role championing viewers and listeners at such a critical moment for the UK media industry.”
Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom's Chief Executive, said: “Cristina’s significant broadcasting experience will be a major asset to Ofcom. I’m very much looking forward to working with her.”
Melanie also thanked Siobhan Walsh, Ofcom’s senior broadcasting director who has led the Broadcasting and Media Group on an interim basis since April 2023. Siobhan will continue in place until Cristina arrives, before returning to her previous role.
