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.”
