20/12/2002

Downing Street today announced that Professor Merfyn Jones has been appointed BBC National Governor for Wales.

The appointment is for a period of four years from 1 January 2003.

Merfyn Jones is Professor of Welsh History and Pro-Vice- Chancellor at the University of Wales, Bangor.

He is currently Member for Wales at the Broadcasting Standards Commission, but he is stepping down at the end of 2002.

He is the author of books and articles on the Modern and Contemporary history of Wales and is also an experienced broadcaster in both English and Welsh.

He has written and presented a number of television documentary programmes, including Cymru 2000, a thirteen hour history of Wales in the 20th Century broadcast on S4C.

Professor Jones commented that he was "looking forward enthusiastically to the challenges of this post. Rapid and profound changes are taking place in broadcasting," he said "and the BBC - on the radio, television and the internet - is a powerful influence in all our lives.

“I am particularly looking forward to chairing the Broadcasting Council for Wales and making an effective contribution to the life and culture of Wales."

Professor Roy Evans, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales, Bangor said "I am delighted with this appointment and with the fact that a senior member of our academic staff here in Bangor has been appointed to this important post.”