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The Guardian World1 min read
New BBC boss warns that 'tough choices are unavoidable'
TL;DR
New BBC director general Matt Brittin emphasizes the need for tough choices to achieve £500m in savings while highlighting the BBC's importance as a trusted news provider.
Key points
- Matt Brittin is the new BBC director general.
- The BBC faces £500m in necessary cuts.
- Brittin emphasizes the BBC's role as a trusted news provider.
- Tim Davie resigned after controversy over a Panorama documentary.
- The BBC is contesting Trump's lawsuit regarding the documentary.
Mentioned in this story
Matt BrittinTim DavieDonald TrumpBBC
New BBC director general Matt Brittin has told staff the BBC "has never been more needed" but that "tough choices are unavoidable as we make savings".
On his first day in the job, the former Google Europe boss said the BBC was the "most trusted news provider, the cornerstone of our creative economy, and a force that brings people together".
But he added that the broadcaster faces "very real challenges", and he must now decide how to make £500m cuts to tackle what the BBC has described as "significant financial pressures".
Brittin has replaced Tim Davie, who resigned last year after criticism that a Panorama documentary misled viewers by editing a speech by US president Donald Trump - who is now suing the corporation.
The BBC has urged a court to dismiss Trump's multi-billion dollar Florida lawsuit, arguing that the Panorama episode never aired in the US.
On Monday morning, Brittin arrived at BBC New Broadcasting House in central London, where he told reporters he was "honoured" and "humbled" to be taking on the role.
He was also greeted by protests from the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), whose members are on strike over shift changes at World Service radio news programmes Newshour and Weekend, and Radio 4's The World Tonight.
Details of further cuts to BBC services are expected in the coming months as the corporation is expected to make to up to 2,000 job cuts to make £500m savings.
In an email to staff, Brittin said: "The BBC has proved throughout its history how quickly it can reinvent itself to serve the needs of audiences - from restructuring for World War II to repurposing during Covid to spinning up services in conflict zones. We need, collectively, to call on that sense of urgency now.
"That means moving with velocity and clarity. Excellence at the BBC has always been founded on great, creative storytelling and brilliant, independent journalism. Today it also means making sure we get the right stories in the right formats on the right platforms.
"We must be where audiences are, and experiment more bravely: test ideas, learn quickly and back what works. Audiences will value the fact we are listening, innovating and working hard to serve them better.
"I know change will not be easy. Tough choices are unavoidable as we make savings. We should ask ourselves, honestly: if we were inventing the BBC today, what would we do? Then respond with clarity, pace and purpose."
The former British Olympic rower worked for Google from 2007 until 2025, serving as the tech giant's head of Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.
Q&A
What financial challenges is the new BBC director general facing?
Matt Brittin is tasked with making £500m in cuts due to significant financial pressures on the BBC.
Who is the new director general of the BBC?
The new director general of the BBC is Matt Brittin, who previously worked at Google Europe.
Why did Tim Davie resign as BBC director general?
Tim Davie resigned after criticism regarding a Panorama documentary that misled viewers by editing a speech by Donald Trump.
What is the BBC's stance on Trump's lawsuit?
The BBC has urged a court to dismiss Donald Trump's lawsuit, arguing that the Panorama episode in question never aired in the US.
