Smith appointed as new ASA chairman

Campaign 10-Nov-06

The former culture secretary Chris Smith has been named as the new chairman of the industry regulator the Advertising Standards Authority.

Now known as Lord Smith of Finsbury, Smith will succeed the current
chairman, Lord Borrie, on 1 July 2007. His appointment is for an initial
term of four years.

The ASA chairman appoints members of the ASA board, which decides if ads

comply with the advertising code.

"The ASA is an example of self-regulation at its best," Lord Smith said.
"It has a distinguished record of keeping the work of advertisers and
advertising on the right road."

His appointment was widely welcomed within the industry. Malcolm
Earnshaw, the outgoing director-general of ISBA, said: "Lord Borrie's
chairmanship has been both successful and distinguished, but in Chris
Smith, the ASA and the industry have secured an equally outstanding
appointment."

Hamish Pringle, the director-general of the IPA, said: "This is a
pivotal role. Its incumbent is vital to the integrity of the UK
self-regulatory system. We're delighted to have secured Chris
Smith."

Comment, page 48.