Months after the controversy over editing of a Donald Trump documentary, the BBC has appointed former Google executive Matt Brittin as its new Director General, turning to a tech industry veteran to steer the broadcaster through a period of legal battles and political scrutiny.
Brittin replaces Tim Davie, who stepped down last year following controversy over a misleading edit of a speech by US President Donald Trump, an issue that has since escalated into a $10 billion lawsuit against the publicly funded broadcaster.
Taking charge from May 18, Brittin acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead, calling it a moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity for the BBC.
“The BBC needs the pace and energy to be both where stories are, and where audiences are,” he said.
The leadership change comes as the BBC fights a high-stakes legal battle with Trump, who has accused the broadcaster of defamation over how it edited footage of his January 6, 2021 speech before the US Capitol riot, according to Reuters.
The BBC has rejected the claim and argued the lawsuit should be dismissed, maintaining that Trump’s subsequent re-election undermines any argument that his reputation was damaged.
Brittin brings deep corporate and digital experience but little editorial background — a gap the BBC has already acknowledged, saying he will appoint a deputy director general to strengthen newsroom leadership.
He joined Google in 2007, leading operations in the UK and Ireland before rising to become president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa in 2014. After stepping down in 2024, he now takes on the challenge of reshaping a legacy broadcaster facing disruption from streaming platforms and shifting viewer habits.
“To build on the reach, trust and creative strengths today, confront challenges with courage, and thrive as a public service fit for the future,” Brittin said, outlining his vision.
