The commission will make its first report in 2008

The group will advise ministers on the way forward for TV production and other forms of broadcasting.

Henry McLeish and Lord Fraser of Carmyllie will form part of the 10-strong commission.

First Minister Alex Salmond has called on broadcasting to be devolved from Westminster to Holyrood.

The Scottish Broadcasting Commission, chaired by former BBC Scotland head of news Blair Jenkins, is to publish its report in 2008.

I am excited to see such respected and talented individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds agreeing to work together Alex Salmond First minister Who's who on the commission

Former Liberal Democrat MP Baroness Michie will also sit on the group, along with the playwright and ex-Green MSP Chris Ballance and the actress and SNP supporter Elaine C Smith.

Mr Salmond, who has raised concerns over the level of television production carried out in Scotland, said: "I am excited to see such respected and talented individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds agreeing to work together in the commission to examine Scotland's broadcasting problems and come forward with effective solutions."

The member posts will be unpaid and membership for anyone who might benefit financially from any of the commission's recommendations, or who might give evidence to the inquiry, was ruled out.

However, a Scottish Executive spokeswoman said that a decision on whether the chairman's post would be paid has yet to be made.