The Culture Secretary, John Whittingdale, has confirmed that Ashley Highfield, the CEO of Johnston Press will be a member of the advisory group reviewing the BBC Royal Charter.
Chief executive Ashley Highfield
Highfield, a former BBC director has recently criticised the corporation for dominating local news and not working with newspapers.
Sitting alongside Highfield will be:
Dawn Airey – senior vice president of Yahoo’s business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and formerly chairman and chief executive of Channel 5.
Dame Colette Bowe – chairman of the Banking Standards Board, President of the Voice of the Listener and Viewer, and former chair of Ofcom.
Andrew Fisher – executive chairman at Shazam.
Darren Henley OBE – CEO of Arts Council England and former managing director of Classic FM.
Alex Mahon – former CEO of Shine Group
Lopa Patel MBE – digital entrepreneur and founder/CEO of NewAsianPost.com and Diversity UK;
Stewart Purvis CBE – former editor-in-chief and CEO of ITN.
John Whittingdale
“Each member of the independent advisory group brings individual skills, experience and expertise. Together they will contribute to the oversight of the Government’s Review of the BBC Royal Charter. I look forward to working with them on this important issue,” explained Secretary of State for Culture, Media, Sport, John Whittingdale MP.
The members will meet up 6 times a year, with additional people brought in as and when required by Whittingdale.
