URCA names director for communications industry

Veteran journalist and broadcaster, Carlton Smith, has joined the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) as director of electronic communications (DEC).

He will have responsibility for all URCA’s regulatory activities in this area. Working with Stephen Bereaux, the chief executive, and under the supervision of URCA’s Board, Mr Smith will oversee landline and mobile phone services; Internet services; broadcasting; spectrum management and Pay TV. He will also serve as an executive member of URCA’s Board.

Mr Bereaux said Mr Smith’s 34 years of experience in the media, including more than a decade in leadership roles, made him “an ideal candidate for the role”. His expertise in broadcasting and journalism will help URCA as it continues its regulatory functions, particularly in spectrum management and broadcast content regulation.

Mr Smith, who spent 25 years at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (BCB), facilitated ZNS TV-13’s 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 talk show. One of his immediate roles will be to work with the BCB on the transition to public broadcasting.

Mr 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. He also holds graduate certificates in management development, business communication and information technology.