Tim Davie, the BBC's director general, has warned that the rise of social media and disinformation is fueling a 'trust crisis' that puts Britain's cohesive, democratic society at risk for the first time in a generation. In a speech in Salford, Davie pitched the broadcaster as a 'precious national asset' that can prevent the UK from becoming a society with no shared facts.
Davie announced plans to increase BBC News content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where disinformation can thrive. He said the BBC aims to reach young audiences who are increasingly turning to these platforms for information. During elections, many young people sought out BBC Verify fact-checkers due to confusion, and Davie believes placing such content on YouTube will be powerful.
Davie also challenged the government to invest 'hundreds of millions' more in the World Service, arguing that now is a critical time to boost this asset as Russia and China spend billions on state-run media. He stressed that the UK must decide whether to compete globally in media influence.
While ruling out a subscription or advertising-funded model, Davie suggested the licence fee could be renamed or modernised, potentially with wealthier households paying more. He expressed openness to exploring fairer, more sustainable funding options.
Davie also backed greater tax breaks for vulnerable areas of television and criticised a social media post by Gary Lineker that was labelled 'Zionism explained in two minutes' and featured a rat illustration, historically used as an antisemitic insult. Davie emphasised that BBC staff must exemplify the corporation's values and follow its social media policy.
