Matt Brittin, the BBC's new director general, arrived at Broadcasting House on Monday morning, stating that 'tough choices are unavoidable' as he assumes leadership of the corporation. The 57-year-old former president of business and operations for Google in Europe, the Middle East and Africa succeeds Tim Davie, who resigned following criticism over a misleading Panorama edit of a Donald Trump speech, alongside former BBC News CEO Deborah Turness.
Speaking to reporters, Brittin said he had a 'strong coffee and deep breath' before arriving. 'I'm about to walk through those doors as the new director general. I'm really honoured to be doing that and humbled to take the role,' he said. 'I'm also very aware how complicated, uncertain and fast changing the world is. And I think, when I look at the 100 year history of the BBC, how it serves its audiences, how it's adapted at pace and it's risen in times of crisis.'
He added: 'I also believe that today the world needs the BBC more than ever, here in the UK and around the world for today and for tomorrow. And I look forward to listening and learning and leading with many colleagues to serve the audiences into the future. So, time to get started.'
Protests and Financial Challenges
Upon arrival, Brittin faced protesters from the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), who are on strike over shift changes to World Service news programmes. In his first email to staff, Brittin acknowledged the need for change, stating that the BBC must 'call on that sense of urgency now' and move with 'velocity and clarity'. He emphasised the need to 'experiment more bravely' and ensure the corporation is where audiences are.
'I know change will not be easy. Tough choices are unavoidable as we make savings,' Brittin wrote. His appointment was confirmed in March after Apple TV executive Jay Hunt and former Channel 4 chief Alex Mahon ruled themselves out. Rhodri Talfan Davies had served as interim director general since Davie stepped down earlier this year.
Job Cuts and Financial Pressures
Last month, Davies announced that BBC News would face fresh cuts, with up to 2,000 employees potentially losing their jobs as the broadcaster aims to reduce spending by 10% over three years. In an all-staff meeting, Davies said: 'As you know, the BBC is facing significant financial pressures, which we need to respond to with pace. Put simply, the gap between our costs and our income is growing.' He outlined the need to save an additional £500 million from total annual operating costs of £5 billion over the next two years, with the bulk of savings required in 2027/28. 'Inevitably, these plans will also mean reducing the number of jobs in the BBC. While we still have to work through the detail, we anticipate that the overall number of jobs will fall by 1,800-2,000.'
Cost-control measures have been implemented with immediate effect to support the financial position this year. On April 1, the licence fee rose to £180 per year. Brittin left Google last year after 18 years, with the last 10 as president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He had planned a 'mini gap year' and joined Guardian Media Group's board as a non-executive director in February 2025. Brittin, a former British rower at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, is expected to receive a financial package comparable to Tim Davie's £540,000-£544,999.
