NI Screen extends appointment of former Cairncastle clergyman

Mr Hill, a former minister at Cairncastle Presbyterian Church, was originally appointed to the Board of NI Screen in January 2008 as vice-chairman. He was then appointed chairman from January 1, 2009 for a term of four years, and that appointment has been now been extended with effect from January 1, 2013, until May 31 this year.

Mr Hill has a longstanding interest in broadcast media. He has acted as an adviser to the BBC Broadcasting Council, BBC Governors and the BBC Trust on digital content and delivery.

A DCAL spokesperson said: “In his role as chairman, Mr Hill has effectively led the organisation through changes in governance and his considerable and relevant experience will ensure NI Screen continues to avail of this leadership and direction until his successor takes up appointment.”

The Department confirmed that an appointment process is currently underway to appoint a new chairman to the Board of NI Screen for a term of up to four years.

The appointment will be made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI) Code of Practice. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. The position attracts a remuneration of £10,000 per year.

NI Screen was established in 1997 and has various areas of activity, all of which are integrated in a unified approach to the development of the audiovisual industry.

It is funded by DCAL, Invest NI, and part financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. It is delegated by the Arts Council of NI (ACNI) to administer Lottery funding for film in Northern Ireland.