FREESAT APPOINTS BAL SAMRA TO THE BOARD.
Freesat has today announced that Bal Samra, Director of BBC Vision Operations and Rights is to join the board of the subscription free satellite TV service, as of 28th January 2009. Bal will replace Richard Waghorn, BBC Controller of Distribution, who is leaving the BBC.
Bal is responsible for Rights and Business Affairs across the BBC, leading the development, financing and implementation of the BBC’s Rights and Business Affairs strategy and overseeing the relationship with external stakeholders and partners.
Bal also leads Vision Operations within BBC Vision. BBC Vision is responsible for the commissioning, scheduling and production of all video-related content for the BBC’s UK public services. Vision Operations encompasses Commercial and Business Development, Business Planning and Analysis, Commissioning Operations, Finance, and Production Operations. Together, around 1,000 staff work in Vision Operations and Rights
Bal joined the BBC in corporate finance in 1990. During his time at the BBC highlights included spearheading the business aspects of a number of BBC service launches, including launching Radio 5 Live, BBC News 24 (now the BBC News channel) and BBC News Online. Prior to joining the BBC, Bal worked in commercial and finance roles at Unilever, GEC and Ford Motor Company .
As a BBC representative on the Board of Freesat, Bal will play a key role in helping to shape Freesat’s strategy, bringing his extensive knowledge of the TV broadcasting industry and his strong commercial acumen to the fore.
Commenting on the new appointment of Bal Samra to the board, Emma Scott, Freesat’s MD said; “Bal’s background and experience will be invaluable to Freesat as we enter 2009 and an exciting period for the business. I look forward to working with Bal and the Freesat Board to continue to shape our strategy in Freesat’s second year after a highly successful launch year.”
Official press release, 14th January 2009.
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