New Chair of the BBC: Culture, Media and Sport Committee publishes report following pre-appointment hearing with Dr Samir Shah CBE

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has today published its report on the suitability of Dr Samir Shah to be the new Chair of the BBC, following Wednesday’s pre-appointment hearing with the Government’s preferred candidate.

The report concludes that Dr Shah is appointable as Chair but highlights the Committee’s concerns about his willingness to offer his opinions and insights on fundamental issues facing the BBC and his ability to provide robust challenge to its leadership.

If the Government chooses to proceed with Dr Shah’s appointment, he should appear before the Committee within three months to demonstrate that he has considered and addressed the concerns.

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee, said: “We were disappointed that Dr Shah was unwilling to express a view on such fundamental principles as board level interference and political impartiality, nor demonstrate an appetite for the robust challenge that is needed at the top of the BBC. 

“It is now for the Government to consider whether to go ahead with the appointment. If they decide to proceed, we expect Dr Shah to appear before us in the new year to demonstrate he has addressed our concerns.”