TV
Reactions have been both positive and cynical to the appointment of Lord Currie as Ofcom chairman.
Conservative Party
Tim Yeo, shadow trade and industry secretary: "It's genuinely a pity that we find yet another person in a position of power who is an active Labour member. After all the commotion last year over Gavyn Davies we now have an absolutely crucial appointment that has gone to someone with close links with Labour. If Ofcom is going to work it has to be totally independent of government and has to set the highest standards of independence and impartiality.
"It may work out but it's bound to reinforce the perception that all these jobs are gradually being politicised. Back in the nineteenth century they had the Northcote rebellion that transformed the civil service, which at that time were cronies of the government in power. It's a step back 200 years."
GWR
Susannah Simons, director of communications: "It's a hugely important job, as far as we're concerned. It's very good news. He's got this reputation for being a skilled manager and organiser, and I think that means he will be well able to cope with such a huge job.
"Because he is an economist, and has something of a reputation as a free marketeer, that pleases us. Also, he's a great believer in public service broadcasting and the maintenance of standards, so I think he'll be quite hot on the content issues too."
AOL
Company spokesman: "The fact that he comes from an economic background is absolutely to be welcomed. Economic regulation is a pretty specialist area and it is essential that Ofcom gives sufficient consideration to access and infrastructure issues."
Capital Radio Group
David Mansfield, CEO: "Capital Radio warmly welcomes Lord Currie's appointment as Ofcom chairman. I look forward to his involvement in establishing a light tough media environment."
Conservative Party
Tim Yeo, shadow trade and industry secretary: "It's genuinely a pity that we find yet another person in a position of power who is an active Labour member. After all the commotion last year over Gavyn Davies we now have an absolutely crucial appointment that has gone to someone with close links with Labour. If Ofcom is going to work it has to be totally independent of government and has to set the highest standards of independence and impartiality.
"It may work out but it's bound to reinforce the perception that all these jobs are gradually being politicised. Back in the nineteenth century they had the Northcote rebellion that transformed the civil service, which at that time were cronies of the government in power. It's a step back 200 years."
GWR
Susannah Simons, director of communications: "It's a hugely important job, as far as we're concerned. It's very good news. He's got this reputation for being a skilled manager and organiser, and I think that means he will be well able to cope with such a huge job.
"Because he is an economist, and has something of a reputation as a free marketeer, that pleases us. Also, he's a great believer in public service broadcasting and the maintenance of standards, so I think he'll be quite hot on the content issues too."
AOL
Company spokesman: "The fact that he comes from an economic background is absolutely to be welcomed. Economic regulation is a pretty specialist area and it is essential that Ofcom gives sufficient consideration to access and infrastructure issues."
Capital Radio Group
David Mansfield, CEO: "Capital Radio warmly welcomes Lord Currie's appointment as Ofcom chairman. I look forward to his involvement in establishing a light tough media environment."
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