LONDON (AP) — Britain's biggest commercial broadcaster ITV PLC said yesterday it has named Archie Norman, a former Conservative lawmaker, as its new chairman after a protracted search.

Norman, who was head of the supermarket chain Asda Group Ltd. in the 1990s before its sale to Wal-Mart Inc., will take up the role in January. One of his first tasks will be to find a new chief executive for ITV.

Michael Grade, the outgoing chairman, said he was delighted to pass the position on to Norman.

"He inherits a company that is more popular and efficient than it has been for many years and I know he will build on that legacy," said Grade, who is retiring.

Earlier, ITV had considered Tony Ball, a former executive of BritishSkyBroadcasting, for the top job. The negotiations ended in September amid news reports that Ball's salary demands were a major sticking point in the talks. ITV said there was also disagreement with Ball about the future of the company's chairmanship.