Russell T Davies has criticised BBC director general Matt Brittin over his 'clumsy' remarks about an AI-generated episode of Doctor Who, saying the comments affect writers and artists first.
Brittin, who became the BBC's director general in May, faced backlash last month after saying he had seen a 'pretty good' AI-generated episode of Doctor Who. He later joked at a staff town hall that he had 'got in trouble' for his comments, but the joke was not well received.
Davies Responds to AI Comments
Davies, the former Doctor Who showrunner, told BBC Radio 4's The Media Show: 'That's a clumsy thing to say in an industry where he's got writers and artists, and it specifically affects people; they're the first to take the blow.'
The Tip Toe creator suggested that Brittin, who 'hasn't worked in television for that long,' might not be so 'fruity with an opinion in future.' Davies joked that his inbox was pinging after Brittin's comments, adding: 'God knows what his was like.'
Concerns Over AI in Writing
During the same interview, Davies also addressed other writers using AI in their scripts. 'I have heard stories of some writers using AI prompts to do a first draft, which I find shocking,' he explained. 'I think what are you paid for otherwise? What are you there to do?'
The 63-year-old also admitted to being worried that the technology could be used to replace writers in the future.
Brittin has been clear with BBC staff that the corporation would always put human-led creativity at the heart of its mission. 'I was just trying to make the point: Look at the pace of change and what this stuff can do,' he clarified. 'I want to be really clear: Humans are leading, and I believe in human creativity, enhanced by whatever tools.'
Davies' Past AI Controversy
Davies has not always been so sceptical about AI. Last year, Doctor Who fans complained after he shared an artificially generated clip of William Hartnell on Instagram. The video featured a fake time traveller who claimed to have travelled back in time to watch the filming of the first episode of Doctor Who.
After Davies posted the clip, several fans criticised the decision. Matthew Purchase shared the post on X with the caption: 'Oh god. RTD likes AI slop.' 'Literal slop and I don't know why RTD would post that,' added Sammy. YouTuber Josh Snares said it proved Davies was out of touch with the fans.
