President of EMEA Enterprise and Operations for Google, Matt Brittin. File
| Photograph Credit score: AP
The BBC named former Google govt Matt Brittin as its new director common on Wednesday (March 25, 2026), changing Tim Davie who give up final yr after a deceptive edit of a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The BBC is going through a $10 billion lawsuit from Mr. Trump, who accuses the publicly funded broadcaster of defamation over the way it spliced collectively footage of components of a speech he gave on January 6, 2021, earlier than his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.
The broadcaster has argued the lawsuit must be dismissed, saying Mr. Trump’s subsequent reelection confirmed the alleged defamation didn’t hurt his fame.
Mr. Brittin joined Google in 2007 as head of UK and Eire earlier than rising by means of the ranks to turn into EMEA president in 2014. He stepped down in 2024 and can tackle the brand new function from Could 18.
“It is a second of actual threat, but additionally actual alternative. The BBC wants the tempo and power to be each the place tales are, and the place audiences are,” he mentioned in a press release.
“To construct on the attain, belief and inventive strengths right this moment, confront challenges with braveness, and thrive as a public service match for the longer term. I can’t wait to start out this work,” he added.
Reflecting his lack of editorial or broadcast expertise, the BBC mentioned he would appoint a deputy director common.
Mr. Brittin, 57, steps in at a vital second. He must negotiate a brand new funding settlement after the broadcaster’s Royal Constitution expires on the finish of 2027. Choices embody retaining the licence charge paid by TV watching households or shifting to subscriptions or ad-funding.
The BBC is going through a battle to remain related as viewers, significantly youthful audiences, shift to streamers and different digital platforms.
The job additionally comes with intense political scrutiny, with the BBC topic to criticism from throughout the spectrum about its impartiality, placing strain on an establishment lengthy considered considered one of Britain’s most trusted and enduring cultural fixtures.
Printed – March 25, 2026 07:49 pm IST