The Broadcasting Standards Commission has appointed Paul Bolt as its new director.

The 47-year-old will replace Stephen Whittle who is joining the BBC as controller of editorial policy.

Mr Bolt, who will be taking up his new position in July, has been a member of the Department for Culture Media and Sports' Management Board since 1998.

There he was in charge of the department's strategy and communications.

Previously he played a key role in broadcasting regulation, firstly heading up a team involved in the 1996 Broadcasting Act and then as head of Broadcasting Policy Division.

Viewer concerns

Mr Bolt said: "I am delighted to return to the field of broadcasting as its future regulatory structure is determined, and particularly proud to be coming to the commission.

"The commission's approach points the way to the future, with its emphasis on finding out what concerns viewers and listeners, and then setting standards for broadcasters to follow."

Lord Dubs of Battersea, chairman of the commission, said: "I am delighted that Paul will be joining the commission as director.

"He will offer strong leadership to the commission as we approach the next two year's of legislative change towards the creation of Ofcom".

The Broadcasting Standards Commission is the statutory body for both standards and fairness in broadcasting.

Its brief is to produce codes of conduct for media, consider and adjudicate on complaints and to monitor, research and report on standards and fairness in broadcasting.