U.K. Press Watchdog Names New Head

LONDON -- Britain's press watchdog has named a new chairman after its previous head stepped down amid heavy criticism over its handling of the phone-hacking scandal.

The Press Complaints Commission said Thursday David Hunt, a lawyer and former lawmaker, will succeed Peta Jane Buscombe.

Buscombe resigned in July after coming under fire for failing to curb tabloid excesses.

A judge-led inquiry into the hacking scandal that rocked Britain's press and shuttered the storied News of the World tabloid is considering whether Britain needs a tougher system of media regulation.

Hunt, who will start his new role next week, says he is delighted to lead "the crucially important" watchdog process.