Samir Shah: The BBC’s New Tsar?

In view of another licence fee hike, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) finds itself under renewed scrutiny regarding the value it delivers to the British public. Samir Shah evidently wished to highlight this during his recent interrogation by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on December 13th. Shah heavily emphasised his "clear sense of value for money."

So, who is Dr Samir Shah? Beyond being the government's chosen successor to Richard Sharp as BBC chairman, he has over three decades of both internal and external involvement with the corporation. Shah has worn various hats, from being a non-executive director to heading the BBC's current affairs and political journalism. Andrew Neil - a major figure in the BBC for years - credits Shah for his big break into BBC political programming. Neil's removal as a pundit and interviewer has been subject to much criticism, seen by many as a significant loss to the BBC's political offering in recent years. The appointment of a Neil-approved Chairman may win over some sceptics who perceived Nel's removal as weakening the BBC's offerings. 

Since 1998, Shah has been the owner, creative director, and CEO at Juniper TV, a production company specialising in factual programming. Juniper has supplied the BBC with programmes such as This Week, which Andrew Neil presented. With his background managing a private production company, Shah will bring a heightened awareness of fiscal responsibility, ensuring that resources are judiciously allocated. This has all too often been a characteristic lacking in BBC lackeys who have spent a lifetime working within the corporation.  

It's crucial to understand the necessity of Samir Shah's appointment as it stems from Richard Sharp's resignation precipitated by failing to disclose his involvement in securing an £800,000 loan for the former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. This revelation fuelled criticism of sleaze and corruption within the heart of government and prominent British institutions. During his cross-examination by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, Shah wished to make clear his firm grasp on the Nolan Principles governing standards in public life. It's doubtful that after such a scandal, there will be any Richard Sharp-esque skeletons in Shah's closet, having previously held several high-profile roles at the BBC. That alone makes him a far easier candidate to approve, bolstered by the fact that he has no track record of donating to any political parties, a characteristic associated with many former BBC Chairmen.

Having a Chairman who genuinely demonstrates the "integrity, professionalism and accountability" that Rishi Sunak promised he would provide the British public is an underrated quality. In an age where the 'good chap' model of government and public life is wavering, it will be refreshing to see headlines about the BBC Chair's work, not his private life. British public life has always had a talent for scandal, but the public has become tone-deaf over a period that has seen scandals about everything from wallpaper to tractor pornography, all of which have done demonstrable damage to public confidence in our institutions. Simon Shah's value of the Nolan principles will go some way to patching over these wounds. 

One of the most encouraging aspects of Shah's appointment is his unwavering belief in the BBC as "one of the country's great assets." Over the past decade, the Six O'clock News has too often featured headlines of scandals within the BBC, coupled with lingering concerns about the sustainability of the licence fee model. Consequently, the BBC has faced wavering support as over half of Britons no longer supports the license fee model.

In a bygone era, the BBC stood as one of Great Britain's most influential soft power tools, eclipsed only by the Royal Family. The BBC World Service, once revered globally as a symbol of impartial, informed, and comprehensive news, has been ceded by other institutions. Allowing the BBC to descend into disrepute amid growing polarisation around the institution, particularly as a perceived vote-winner for the Conservative Party, would be scandalous. The BBC's value must be redefined and effectively communicated to the British public to prevent its demise. Samir Shah's evident passion for the BBC will be a crucial but last-ditch effort.

MPs in the Select Committee have granted their semi-approval for Shah's candidacy, deeming him "appointable." There was a sense of disappointment that he couldn't provide comprehensive answers on critical subjects such as political impartiality and board interference. Notably, Shah did offer a clear stance on the Gary Lineker controversy, where the renowned presenter publicly opposed the government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. Shah labelled Lineker's comments as "not very helpful" and potentially in violation of the new social media rules for non-news presenters established earlier this year.

Despite stirring disapproval from BBC sceptics, the apparent invulnerability of figures like Lineker underscores the need for a more decisive stance on internal issues within the BBC. To reinforce its worth to the country, the BBC must communicate clearly about institutional processes, especially when presenters are seen to be breaching established rules.

As the new Chairman, Shah faces the challenging task of navigating these complexities. Growing the public's understanding of the BBC's internal workings in dealing with presenters who are seen to breach impartiality will be crucial in rebuilding trust. Shah's dedication to the BBC's values and his willingness to address challenges head-on will decide the organisation's future. From his past, both within the BBC and operating in the private sector as part of Juniper TV, Shah can fulfil the dual role of externally championing the corporation whilst tackling issues within.

Should he fail, at least he can take solace in the substantial £169,000 annual pay package for his three days a week commitment. 

Image: REUTERS/via The Guardian