Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, is expected to be named as the next BBC director general within days, as the corporation's board meets this week to discuss the appointment. The board is scheduled to convene on Thursday for a regular meeting, and although it will not formally approve Brittin, an announcement could come as early as next week.
Brittin, who led Google in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for a decade until stepping down last year, is the strong favourite to replace outgoing director general Tim Davie. His potential appointment comes as the BBC grapples with significant changes in media consumption driven by digital platforms like YouTube, which is owned by Google's parent company.
Brittin has expressed admiration for the British television industry, telling TV figures he has long sought to be part of it. Accepting a Royal Television Society fellowship last December, he remarked that the industry was one he had been trying to enter for a very long time. He also noted that during his tenure at Google, he aimed to position big tech as partners rather than predators to the creative sector.
The new director general will face immediate challenges, including critical negotiations with the government over the renewal of the BBC's royal charter and its funding model. The BBC has been resisting proposals to switch to a subscription or advertising-funded service, arguing that such a move would undermine its mission to provide content for everyone. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has already endorsed placing the charter on a permanent basis.
Brittin, a Doctor Who fan, has acknowledged the disruption in the media industry and the growing societal divides. Insiders see him as similar to Davie, whose resignation followed controversy over the editing of a Donald Trump speech. Both leaders advocate using technology to navigate the changing media landscape, with Davie having established a new commercial division, BBC Media Tech.
Brittin has described the rise of AI as a significant opportunity for new creative talent, while recognising the risks to intellectual property and creativity. He left Google last year for a 'mini gap year' and serves as a non-executive director of Guardian Media Group. Brittin was also a member of the British Olympic rowing team in 1988.
