NEWS: ITC hires Smee for public affairs role

The Independent Television Commission (ITC), has named Paul Smee as its

new director of public affairs, ending a four month search by the

television watchdog.

Currently head of the life insurance division at the Association of

British Insurers (ABI), Smee joins the ITC on 6 November with wide

ranging responsibility for press office functions, parliamentary

affairs, publications and the ITC’s reference library.

Reporting to chief executive Peter Rogers, he will manage a total staff

of 14. In addition, Smee will eventually assume responsibility for the

ITC’s four-strong audience research department which is to be

reorganised under his direction.

Smee replaces Sarah Thane, who took over the job of director of

programmes and cable at the regulator last July (PR Week 24 May).

Previously head of public policy and international affairs for the

London Stock Exchange, Smee said of the move to broadcast: ‘I’m moving

from one public affairs job to another.’