Lord Grade would bring considerable experience and knowledge of
the media sector to the role of Ofcom Chair but may need to be
supported with advice on social media and online safety to
properly carry out the job, MPs say today.
In a Report published following a pre-appointment hearing
with the Government’s preferred candidate yesterday, the DCMS
Committee notes Lord Grade’s confirmation that he will play no
part in public debates about the future of Channel 4 and the BBC.
His commitment to leaving his strong opinions aside, gives the
Committee hope that he will be able to act with the strict
independence required of the role.
While the Committee is concerned about his lack of knowledge
about social media and online safety, it recognises that it would
be difficult to find a candidate with deep experience across the
whole of Ofcom’s remit and hopes he will receive the necessary
advice to fulfil his role.
Following this week’s Report on the
appointment of the Charity Commission Chair, the Committee is
once again critical of the Department’s approach to recruitment,
describing it as a ‘shambles of a process’.
Chair's comments
DCMS Committee Chair said:
“Lord Grade impressed during the hearing and clearly has the
character and gravitas for the role. He will bring a wealth of
experience and knowledge of the broadcasting sector to the job,
but when talking about social media he seemed to be on more shaky
ground. While he recognises the importance of Ofcom’s soon-to-be
enhanced role in tackling harmful content online, he may need
support and advice to make sure he’s up to speed on how the
regulator best keeps people safe in the ever-changing online
world.
The appointment of Lord Grade as Chair will bring to an end one
of the less illustrious chapters in the Department’s recent
history. Lessons need to be learnt from this shambles of a
process before we can have any confidence in its ability to run
effective and impartial public appointment competitions.”
