Union boss calls out move to block re-appointment of female directors
Bectu has slammed the government’s decision to block two-Ofcom approved female reappointments to Channel 4’s board of directors.
The Guardian reported earlier today (14 April) that the government has vetoed the reappointments of Little House Productions co-founder Uzma Hasan and former ITV managing director Fru Hazlitt for a further three years against the advice of both C4 and the regulator.
A spokesperson for Oliver Dowden’s DCMS confirmed that the government is seeking new appointments.
With Hasan and Hazlitt removed, the C4 non-executive board now consists of seven white men and just one woman.
Describing the move as “deeply concerning”, Bectu head Philippa Childs said it is of “critical importance” that broadcasters and Ofcom can make appointments without government interference”.
“Minsters are playing politics and interfering with this process,” she added.
“It is especially troubling that minsters have chosen to block two women, including one of only two women of colour.
“The independence and impartiality of our public service broadcasters is of critical importance.”
While the government has no formal role in the C4 appointment process, the move follows numerous recent examples and rumours of Conversative interference.
In 2016, the government intervened in C4’s appointment of Althea Efunshile, another example of an appointment being dismissed despite being Ofcom-approved and C4-vetted. She joined the following year.
More recently, it was rumoured to be pushing for arch-BBC sceptic Charles Moore as preferred candidate for BBC chair, and former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre to do the same job for Ofcom.
Moore pulled out of the running for chair and it is looking unlikely Dacre will take on a role with the regulator.
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