New Director General Matt Brittin says BBC “must be where audiences are”

New BBC Director General Matt Brittin has described the broadcaster as a “force that brings people together” while acknowledging that it faces "very real challenges.”

The former Head of Google Europe took over this week from Tim Davie, who resigned last year in the wake of the Panorama documentary editing of a speech by US President Donald Trump.

Brittin is expected to announce cuts to BBC services in the coming months, and up to 2,000 job cuts to make £500m savings.

In an email to staff on his first day, 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 that 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."

Brittin must also complete negotiations with the UK government over the renewal of the BBC's royal charter, which sets out the terms for its existence and funding and is due to expire in 2027.

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy recently pledged to provide the BBC with a permanent charter for the first time in its history, eliminating the current 10-year renewal process. Discover more here.