#Nassau, February 15, 2019 – Bahamas – Veteran journalist and broadcaster Carlton Smith has joined the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority as Director of Electronic Communications (DEC). Mr. Smith’s appointment came after an extensive competitive recruitment exercise for this critical role.
As DEC, Mr. Smith will have the
overall responsibility for URCA’s regulatory activities in the Electronic
Communications Sector (ECS). In
collaboration with the CEO and under the supervision of URCA’s Board, the DEC
leads the organization in the fulfillment of its mission in the ECS in the
Bahamas. This sector includes, landline and mobile phone services, internet
services, broadcasting, spectrum management and Pay TV. As DEC, Smith will also serve as an executive
member of URCA’s Board.
In welcoming
Mr. Smith, CEO Stephen Bereaux, said the new Director’s thirty-four years of
experience in media, including more than a decade in leadership roles, makes
Mr. Smith an ideal candidate for the role”.
His particular expertise in broadcasting and journalism will be an asset
to URCA as it continues its regulatory functions, particularly in spectrum management
and broadcast content regulation. Smith,
who spent 25 years at The Broadcasting
Corporation of The Bahamas (BCB), facilitated ZNS TV-13 television technology
transition and the upgrade of its IT infrastructure and AM Transmission System.
His time at BCB was followed by six years at Guardian Radio, as Station Manager
and then as the host of a popular talk show.
Carlton brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to this
role which we are certain will serve him well as he joins the URCA team in ‘Improving lives through effective utilities
regulation’. One of his immediate
roles will be to work with the BCB on the transition to Public
Broadcasting”
As he prepares to take on the
challenge as a regulator, Mr. Smith says he is excited to be joining a group of
highly motivated and passionate individuals and looks forward to assisting the
organization on its continuing mission to “Improve
lives through Effective Utility Regulation”.
Smith is a
graduate of The London School of Journalism and The University of Sussex
through Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication in London, now
Ravensbourne University. Mr. Smith also
holds Graduate Certificates in Management Development, Business Communication
and Information Technology.
The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (“URCA”) is the independent regulator of the Electronic Communications Sector (comprising broadcasting, radio spectrum and electronic communications) and the Electricity Sector in The Bahamas.