Objectives
The Convergence Think Tank objectives are to:
- consider the opportunities and challenges facing a converged market;
- highlight areas where the Government can do more to promote the development of the market and innovation and growth, as well as empowering and protecting consumers;
- consider the future form and provision of public service content, building on the outputs from the Ofcom review of public service broadcasting which is currently under way;
- actively engage in debate with key stakeholders; and
- draw conclusions with a view to informing Government decisions on future policy development, including the case for any future legislative changes.
Steering Group
A joint DCMS/BERR steering group has been set up to guide the work of the CTT. The steering group comprises of senior representatives from DCMS and BERR.
In addition, the steering group will draw on the experience and knowledge of a number of leading experts with a wealth of experience of both the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors, who will act as a sounding board in its deliberations. Robin Foster, John Willis, Chris Earnshaw and Tess Read will serve as these experts. Please see below for more details about their experience.
Ofcom, as the independent regulator for the communications sector, will also provide input and advice on all aspects of the Think Tank’s work.
Who's who
Chris Earnshaw: Has over 35 years experience in the telecommunications and IT industry and held a number of senior executive roles at British Telecom until 2002, where he was responsible for engineering and technology. He is advisor to a number of international technology and private equity companies. He served from 2004 - 2007 as chairman of the UK Police Information Technology Organisation. He is currently Deputy President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Robin Foster: An independent adviser on economic, policy and strategic issues affecting communications, whose analysis of broadcasting regulation following digital switchover provides a starting point for the debate. He is also currently Associate Director of the Global Communications Consortium at the London Business School, and chief adviser to media strategy consultants, Human Capital.
Tess Read: A business and strategy adviser to venture capital firms and other business organisations. Her specialism is in new media. She is also the author of two books on the internet.
John Willis: One of the best known figures in the television industry, having held a number of high profile roles including Director of Programmes at Channel 4, Managing Director of LWT and Director of Factual and Learning at the BBC, before joining Mentorn and Tinopolis in 2006.