Matt Brittin Starts BBC Role Facing £500m Cuts

matt brittin began his first day as director general on Monday morning at New Broadcasting House in central London. He told staff the corporation has "never been more needed" and warned that "very real challenges" mean "tough choices are unavoidable" as it seeks £500m in savings.

New Broadcasting House

He said in an email that the is "the most trusted news provider, the cornerstone of our creative economy, and a force that brings people together". He also said, "I know change will not be easy. Tough choices are unavoidable as we make savings."

£500m Savings Plan

The broadcaster expects to make up to 2,000 job cuts to reach the £500m target. That gives staff a clearer picture of the scale of change now facing the organisation, rather than a vague efficiency drive.

Tim Davie And Trump

Brittin arrives into a period of turbulence that already includes Tim Davie’s resignation last year after criticism over a Panorama documentary that edited a speech by Donald Trump, plus the ’s legal fight with Trump over a multi-billion dollar Florida lawsuit.

He also has to negotiate with the government over the ’s royal charter before it expires in 2027, while the corporation has already suggested in March that the cost of the TV licence could be cut if more people pay the annual charge.