New BBC boss Matt Brittin warns staff that ‘tough choices are inevitable’
The BBC’s new director general, Matt Brittin, has warned in his first memo to staff that “tough choices are inevitable”.
Describing himself as a “lifelong fan of the BBC,” the former Google executive opened the post by saying that in recent weeks he has met with teams in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and internationally “across genres and formats, to listen and learn.”
“It has all underlined what an extraordinary, invaluable asset the BBC is to us all,” said Brittin. “It has shaped who we are as a country and how the world sees us. It has shaped me, too. In an accelerating world of limitless choice, its confidence, reach and creative power are unparalleled.”
He added: “Today, the BBC has never been more needed – standing alongside the public as their most trusted news provider, the cornerstone of our creative economy and a force that brings people together. I know we face very real challenges, but at a time of change and uncertainty, people here and around the world need us to meet the moment with courage and vision.”
In a subtle nod to his technical expertise, the broadcaster’s new boss said the BBC will have to act with “speed and clarity”, which partly means “ensuring we get the right stories in the right formats on the right platforms.”
He also acknowledged that there will inevitably be cost-cutting measures, saying: “I know change will not be easy. Difficult choices are inevitable as we make cuts. We must ask ourselves honestly: if we were to invent the BBC today, what would we do? Respond with clarity, pace and purpose.”
Brittin said he plans to focus on three areas: advocating for the future of the broadcaster as part of negotiations with the government on the Royal Charter document, “editorial excellence” and “increased speed”, including “making the savings we need to make and the choices we need to make, simplifying the BBC for both staff and audiences.”
He revealed that he has already asked the BBC’s executive committee to look into the topic of ‘editorial excellence’ to ensure ‘this ambition is addressed and maintained’.
He said this includes “supporting the right people to make decisions with clear accountability.”
Brittin takes over from the beleaguered Tim Davie, who presided over a number of scandals during his five-year tenure, ranging from the revelation that highest-paid newsreader Huw Davies had received images of child sexual abuse during his time at the BBC, to an ongoing $10 billion lawsuit from President Trump over a doctored quote in one of the country’s most prestigious documentary series, ‘Panorama’.
At the same time, the BBC is fighting for its future as it seeks more government funding at a time of rising costs.
Brittin is the BBC’s 18th director since the broadcaster was first founded more than 100 years ago.
