The BBC’s new director general Matt Brittin has warned that “tough choices are unavoidable” in his first memo to staff.
Describing himself as a “lifelong fan of the BBC,” the former Google executive opened the missive by saying that over the last few weeks he has been meeting teams in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and internationally “across genres and formats, to listen and learn.”
“It has all underlined just what an extraordinary, priceless asset the BBC is for all of us,” Brittin said. “It has shaped who we are as a country and how the world sees us. It has shaped me too. In an accelerating world of limitless choice, its trust, reach and creative strength are unrivalled.”
He added that “Today, the BBC has never been more needed – on the side of the audience as their most trusted news provider, the cornerstone of our creative economy, and a force that brings people together. I know we face very real challenges, but at a time of flux and uncertainty, people here and around the world need us to meet the moment with courage and vision.”
In a subtle nod to his tech expertise, the broadcaster’s new boss said that the BBC will need to move with “velocity and clarity” which will partly involve “making sure we get the right stories in the right formats on the right platforms.”
He also acknowledged that inevitable there will be cost-cutting measures, saying: “I know change will not be easy. Tough choices are unavoidable as we make savings. We should ask ourselves, honestly: if we were inventing the BBC today, what would we do? Then respond with clarity, pace and purpose.”
Brittin said he intends to focus on three areas: arguing for the broadcaster’s future as part of negotiations with the government over its Royal Charter governing document, “editorial excellence” and “increased velocity,” which includes “making the savings we must and the choices we should, simplifying the BBC for staff and audiences alike.”
Brittin revealed he has already asked the BBC’s executive committee to look into the topic of “editorial excellence” to ensure “this ambition is addressed and sustained.”
He said this will include “backing the right people to make decisions with clear accountability.”
Brittin takes over from the beleaguered Tim Davie, who presided over a number of scandals during his ranging from the revelation its highest-paid newsreader Huw Davies had been receiving images of child sex abuse during his time at the BBC to a $10 billion lawsuit from President Trump over a falsified quote in one of its most prestigious documentary series, “Panorama.”
At the same time the BBC is fighting for its future as it seeks more funding from the government at a time of rising costs.
Brittin is the BBC’s 18th director since the broadcaster first launched over 100 years ago.
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