European Broadcasting Union Director Simon Fell to step down

Fell has led his team through a disruptive time for the broadcasting industry, having overseen disruptive changes to traditional broadcasting business models and the introduction of digital entrants quickening the pace of change across the industry. 

In a statement, Fell said: “In a time of unprecedented change in media technologies, having the opportunity to lead such a talented team at the EBU, to work with EBU Members, Associates, broadcast standards bodies and industry colleagues from across the world has been a very rewarding experience.

“I am proud of the new services that we have developed and the wide collaboration with EBU working groups and other broadcast unions. The EBU continues to influence, advise and support Members through technology change.”

Director General of the EBU Noel Curran commented: “I want to thank Simon for the enormous contribution he has made to the EBU.

”He has led the Technology and Innovation department through a period of huge change in the media industry, introducing new services and working closely with our members. I wish him well with his future endeavours “.

Egon Verharen of NPO and Chairman of the EBU Technical Committee added: “Simon has had an enormous impact on the work that was done in setting up and implementing our strategic programmes over the last 4.5 years, guiding us through the digital transformation. I both congratulate him and thank him for that, as it was a pleasure working with him. He surely will be missed by the Members.“

Fell will assist with the transition to a successor and will relocate to the UK where he will work with the media industry through new ventures.

Simon will continue to be Chairman of the WBU Technical Committee and Chairman of the Joint ETSI/EBU/CENELEC Technical Committee, JTC Broadcast for his elected term.