Elstein to chair radio trade body

David Elstein worked in television for many years

Former channel Five chief executive David Elstein has been appointed chairman of UK trade body the Commercial Radio Companies Association.

He will act as a figurehead for the radio industry, including in dealings with the government and regulators.

Mr Elstein said he had a "keen interest in radio" as well as his background in TV. He recently led a report into the TV licence for the Conservatives.

The radio industry is facing possible mergers in the wake of new legislation.

Mr Elstein began his career in 1964 as the youngest recruit to the BBC's graduate training scheme. He moved to Thames Television in 1968, eventually becoming director of programmes.

After joining BSkyB as head of programming in 1993, he moved to channel Five three years later and spent four years there as chief executive.

Mr Elstein, who also chairs Really Useful Theatres, succeeds Lord Eatwell - who has held the post of CRCA chairman for four years.

'Exciting possibilities'

The Communications Bill, introduced last year, has reformed rules on radio ownership, and the sector has recently come under the regulation of Ofcom.

Mr Elstein said: "I look forward to working with CRCA as new legislation, under the guardianship of a new regulator, opens up exciting possibilities and challenges for the UK commercial radio industry."

His other current posts include chairman of the British Screen Advisory Council and Screen Digest Ltd.

CRCA chief executive Paul Brown said Elstein's "deep knowledge of the UK media industry and obvious enthusiasm for broadcasting creativity make him ideal for the role".