Dr Samir Shah becomes BBC’s first Indian-origin chairman
Dr Samir Shah, hailing from India and boasting over four decades of experience in British broadcasting, has been formally appointed as the new chairman of the BBC following a rigorous selection process and the endorsement of King Charles III.
Shah emerged as the government’s preferred choice in December 2023 and subsequently faced scrutiny from cross-party MPs of the House of Commons Media Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee during the pre-appointment phase.
Born in Aurangabad in 1952 and relocating to the UK in 1960, Shah possesses a rich background in broadcasting and media management. He ascended through various pivotal roles, eventually assuming the position of CEO at Juniper TV.
Commencing his broadcasting journey in 1979 at London Weekend Television, Shah later assumed leadership of the BBC’s television current affairs division in 1987. He subsequently oversaw BBC’s political journalism programme from 1994 to 1998.
After the BBC acquired Juniper TV in 1998, Shah was appointed as one of the three non-executive directors of the former in 2007.
Shah succeeds Richard Sharp, who resigned amidst controversy stemming from his email exchanges with former UK prime minister Boris Johnson. Sharp’s failure to disclose his role in facilitating Johnson’s acquisition of an £800,000 loan prompted his departure, following an official inquiry.
