Sir Ian Cheshire, who chaired Channel 4 between 2022 and 2025, brings a background that includes previous leadership positions at Barclays UK and Debenhams. In an official statement, he said effective regulation matters for consumers, businesses and the wider economy, and that Ofcom has a critical job to do at a time of rapid change in how people communicate, access information and stay safe online. Cheshire noted he looks forward to setting out his vision for how Ofcom can meet those challenges when he appears before the select committee. The exact date of that parliamentary hearing and the specific details of his vision for Ofcom remain unknown.
Ofcom is responsible for regulating internet, TV, radio, and postal services. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated that Ofcom is at the heart of some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the country. In an official statement, Kendall said the work of Ofcom has never been more relevant to people’s lives, from protecting people online to supporting the growth of our communications sector. She added that Sir Ian has a proven track record of leading complex organisations through periods of significant change, and that is exactly the kind of leadership Ofcom needs right now. Kendall also paid tribute to Lord Grade for his contribution as chair, saying he has steered Ofcom through a period of profound change, with his leadership during the introduction of the Online Safety Act being pivotal.
Criticism has emerged from child safety advocates regarding Ofcom's approach to online safety. The Molly Rose Foundation was set up after online content contributed to the death of 14-year-old Molly Rose Russell in 2017. According to The Independent - UK News, Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, said Sir Ian must deliver for children and families up and down the country. Burrows also warned that so far, Ofcom has been slow, defensive and risk-averse in dealing with its online safety remit. According to The Independent - UK News, Burrows said there couldn't be a more crucial time for the new Ofcom chair to deliver a reset at the regulator and refocus its approach to urgently tackling online harm and delivering robust enforcement of the Online Safety Act. How Sir Ian Cheshire will address this criticism and what specific changes Andy Burrows expects are key unknowns.
Other unknowns include what other candidates were considered for the Ofcom chair position, if any. The appointment comes as Ofcom faces increasing scrutiny over its regulatory effectiveness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.