‘Pioneer for change’ Samra to sign off from BBC

BAL SAMRA is set to step down from his role as the BBC’s group commer­cial director next year after three decades with the UK broadcaster.

He started his career in the 1990s in current affairs and helped launched BBC News Online, News 24 and Radio 5 Live, according to a statement. De­scribed as a “pioneer for change”, he played a key role in driving audiences from BBC News online to BBC iPlayer and more recently, BritBox.

“Bal has made a significant mark on our industry and on the BBC, connect­ing creativity to business opportuni­ties for the benefit of audiences. His commercial acumen and skill are widely recognised and respected across the broadcasting industry,” BBC direc­tor general Tim Davie said.

As managing director of BBC Tele­vision, he re-designed the business to introduce more competition for crea­tive ideas, developing more produc­tion out of London, and working with chief creative officer Charlotte Moore to help improve on-screen diversity in TV, the BBC said.

Samra established international partnerships and joint ventures and wrote the blueprint to create BBC Stu­dios Production. Under his leader­ship, there was record commercial in­vestment growth, it added, and he will lead some commercial projects in BBC Studios prior to his exit.

“The time for my next big adventure is now. I’ve a number of ideas to develop in the coming months. I’ve had an amazing and inspiring time at the BBC and will always be grateful for the opportunities and support it gave me,” said Samra.

Samra sits on the boards of the Na­tional Film & Television School and Ormiston Acade­mies Trust as well as the com­mercial committee at Bafta. In ad­dition, he chairs an industry fund for investment in im­mersive storytelling.