Former Google executive Matt Brittin selected to be next BBC director general | BBC
Matt Brittin, Google’s former chief executive in Europe, has been named the next director general of the BBC.
Brittin, who stepped down as Google’s head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa last year, will replace Tim Davie at a crucial time for the company as it determines its future funding model with the government.
The 57-year-old’s appointment was confirmed following a BBC board debate on Thursday.
Brittin, a former Olympic rower and Doctor Who fan, was seen as a key figure who could dive headlong into key government talks over the renewal of the BBC’s royal charter.
However, his lack of editorial experience was noticed by insiders who were concerned about his ability to deal with the periodic crises that occurred in the company.
The BBC is now expected to create the role of deputy director general to support Brittin. This person is expected to have significant editorial experience. A new head of BBC News will also be appointed.
Brittin said: “Now more than ever, we need a successful BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and rapidly changing world. At its best, it shows us and the world who we are. It is an extraordinary, uniquely British asset, with over 100 years of innovation in storytelling, technology and powering creativity. I am honored and thrilled to have been asked to serve as chief executive.
“This is a moment of real risk, but also real opportunity. The BBC needs pace and energy to be where both the stories and audiences are. To build access, trust and creative strengths today, to face challenges with courage and to thrive as a public service fit for the future. I can’t wait to get started on this work.”
BBC chief Samir Shah said Brittin “has deep experience of leading a high-profile and highly complex organization through transformation”.
The appointment comes after some of the early favorites for the post withdrew or refused to apply, amid concerns that scrutiny and political attacks on the BBC had made running the BBC one of the most difficult jobs in public life.
Outgoing director general Davie resigned following highly controversial allegations of bias by a former external adviser to the BBC. It also comes after the BBC apologized for the way it edited a speech by Donald Trump, which led to the US president suing.
Brittin, who also serves as a non-executive director on the board of Guardian Media Group, joins the BBC in negotiating major cuts as it negotiates with the government over its future funding. He is expected to make difficult decisions about staffing levels and scheduling.
The license fee model is also under pressure and more and more people are choosing not to pay. The company’s leadership is pushing for a reformed license fee that would result in more homes paying less.
Brittin’s long career at Google will also be important in his new job. It comes to New Broadcasting House as the BBC reveals plans to save significant costs by using a new technology division. It is also trying to forge a new relationship with YouTube, which is owned by Google.
YouTube has become a more influential platform than ever before, with larger audiences of all ages watching content. Last year, television replaced laptops, tablets and smartphones as the most common device used by UK viewers to watch YouTube at home.
Ministers and media regulator Ofcom are pressing for YouTube to give the BBC and other public service broadcasters more coverage on the platform.
While YouTube offers broadcasters the ability to reach new audiences, there are concerns at the BBC that placing more of its content on the platform will give even more power to big tech.
Brittin’s appointment means the BBC is still waiting for its first female director-general. She emerged as the favorite after many women with high scores withdrew from the process or did not apply.
Charlotte Moore, who until recently was the BBC’s chief content officer and now runs Left Bank Pictures, did not apply for the job.
Neither has former BBC One controller and Channel 4 chief creative officer Jay Hunt, who is now at Apple TV, taken on the role, nor has Alex Mahon, who was Channel 4’s chief executive until he left last year to run events company Superstruct.
Brittin will be able to adapt quickly to her new role. He left Google last year and took a deliberate leave of absence, which he described as “a mini gap year.”
He started his career as a business strategy consultant. After a brief stint at publisher Trinity Mirror, which was later renamed Reach, he moved to Google in 2007.
Like Davie, he champions the benefits of artificial intelligence and has previously encouraged the TV industry to “leap and learn” from the technology.
Brittin, a member of the British Olympic rowing team in 1988, is also a non-executive director of the Guardian Media Group.
