The BBC is expected to appoint former Google executive Matt Brittin as its next director general within days, with the corporation's board meeting this week for a final discussion. Brittin, who led Google in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for a decade until stepping down last year, has emerged as the strong favourite to replace Tim Davie.
The decision will be discussed at a regular BBC board meeting on Thursday. While the meeting will not formally approve Brittin, an announcement could be made as early as next week. Brittin's potential appointment comes as the BBC faces significant challenges from the rise of digital platforms such as YouTube, owned by Google's parent company.
Brittin has expressed long-standing admiration for the British television industry, telling TV figures he has been trying to enter the sector for a long time. Accepting a Royal Television Society fellowship last December, he said he had aimed to position big tech as 'partners not predators'. He also noted that television is evolving into 'storytelling in video'.
The new director general will need to engage immediately in critical talks with the government over the renewal of the BBC's royal charter and its funding model. The BBC has been resisting calls to switch to a subscription or advertising-funded service, arguing it would undermine its universal mission. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has already supported placing the charter on a permanent basis.
Brittin, a Doctor Who fan, has acknowledged the 'incredible time of disruption' in media and the 'divides across society'. Insiders see him as similar to Davie, whose resignation followed controversy over an edited Donald Trump speech. Both are advocates of using technology to navigate the changing media landscape. Brittin has described AI as a 'huge opportunity' for creative talent while noting risks to intellectual property.
