Ofcom names chief executive

The first chief executive of new media "super-regulator" Ofcom, is to be Stephen Carter, former managing director of cable company NTL.

Among his first tasks will be to help set up the body, which replaces five media watchdogs including Oftel and the Independent Television Commission.

Mr Carter dealt with all the major broadcasters while at NTL

He will then work with the board on formulating the watchdog's strategy and be responsible for its day-to-day operations.

Mr Carter, 38, is now set to become one of the most powerful people in UK media, alongside Ofcom's chairman, economist Lord Currie.

"An effective Ofcom is critical for all media and communications businesses. For me the opportunity was an irresistible one," Mr Carter said.

Lord Currie said: "I am very pleased that Stephen is to join us. He has exactly the right qualities to deliver these requirements as well as considerable experience of working in the advertising, broadcasting and telecommunications sectors."

Mr Carter was born in Scotland and studied law at Aberdeen University, before joining advertising agency J Walter Thompson.

Lord Currie is chairman of the board of Ofcom

As managing director of NTL, he dealt with all the major broadcasters and competed with BT and the satellite company BSkyB.

Ofcom will oversee the converging worlds of television, radio, telecommunications, mobile phones and even the frequencies on which electronic garage doors operate.

It was set up through the Office of Communications Act 2002, which was given royal assent in March last year. The Communications Bill, which is currently going through parliament, will spell out Ofcom's responsibilities.

Taste and decency

Ofcom will be involved in issues of taste and decency, competition and takeovers, and public service broadcasting.

But it has received some criticism already because it is seen as too big and unwieldy to cover both broadcasting and telecommunications.

It already faces the challenge of whether it will devote more of its energies to broadcasting issues or the internet.

One of its new powers will be to fine the BBC if it breaks rules on taste and decency, which met with opposition from the corporation.

There is speculation that Ofcom may aim to get some of the industry to regulate itself.