OLD BBC HAND TO BECOME SPOKESMAN FOR BRITISH P.M.

Prime Minister David Cameron has picked a veteran ITN and BBC newscaster to become his new spokesman, replacing Andy Coulson, who resigned last month, a victim of the scandal over hacked voicemails by reporters for the London tabloid News of the World while he was editing it. Craig Oliver’s political affiliation is unknown. At the time of his appointment, he held the title of Controller of English at BBC Global News, and his Twitter page reportedly includes numerous remarks about movies. Commented today’s (Thursday) London Independent: “His appointment is an indication of Downing Street’s acknowledgement of the importance of television. Oliver does not enjoy Coulson’s press contacts, but he knows broadcast news inside out.”