Matt Brittin, the BBC’s new director general, began his tenure with a warning to staff that “tough choices are unavoidable” as his first day coincided with a strike by journalists from the World Service and Radio 4.
The strike, over proposed changes to shift patterns that would increase workloads, saw members of the National Union of Journalists picketing outside New Broadcasting House. Staff say morale is “in the red” and the planned changes will put already stretched teams under greater strain.
In a message to staff, Brittin acknowledged the need for change, saying: “I know change will not be easy. Tough choices are unavoidable as we make savings.” He urged the corporation to move “with velocity and clarity” to adapt to digital platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.
Brittin, formerly Google’s most senior executive in Europe, is tasked with finding budget cuts of 10% as the BBC faces huge financial challenges. The strike predates the cuts and affects more than 30 workers, who rejected a modified plan in a union vote.
A BBC spokesperson said they were disappointed at the industrial action and had listened and adapted their approach, but regretted that agreement had not been reached. The corporation’s priority remains ensuring audiences receive trusted news.
