New BBC boss warns of "tough choices" in the future as he takes charge of broadcaster

Matt Brittin said in an email to staff: "I know change will not be easy."

Matt Brittin speaking animatedly with his hands on a stage.

Horacio Villalobos - Corbis/Getty Images

Published: Monday, 18 May 2026 at 4:52 pm

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BBC staff have been told by new director-general Matt Brittin that "tough choices are unavoidable" as he scrambles to make cuts.

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Former Google executive and Team GB Olympic athlete Brittin replaced Tim Davie who resigned last year.

In its 2026/2027 annual plan statement published before the end Davie's term, it said that whilst it believes the BBC is "needed more than ever" it was in need of "radical reform" due to mounting financial pressure.

Now, on his first day on the job, Matt Brittin has echoed the same message as his predecessor saying "tough choices are unavoidable as we make savings".

Tim Davie in a navy suit with a group of men in the background

Former BBC director-general Tim Davie. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

In an email sent to staff, Brittin said: "The BBC has proved throughout its history how quickly it can reinvent itself to serve the needs of audiences - from restructuring for World War II to repurposing during Covid to spinning up services in conflict zones. We need, collectively, to call on that sense of urgency now.

"That means moving with velocity and clarity. Excellence at the BBC has always been founded on great, creative storytelling and brilliant, independent journalism. Today it also means making sure we get the right stories in the right formats on the right platforms."

Continuing, the email explained: "We must be where audiences are, and experiment more bravely: test ideas, learn quickly and back what works. Audiences will value the fact we are listening, innovating and working hard to serve them better.

"I know change will not be easy. Tough choices are unavoidable as we make savings. We should ask ourselves, honestly: if we were inventing the BBC today, what would we do? Then respond with clarity, pace and purpose."

Brittin stressed the importance if being "where audiences are" which aligns with the strategy revealed in the 2026/2027 annual plan statement of putting a focus on commissioning digital-first content for its official YouTube page.

This comes after it was reported the BBC will be letting go of 1 in 10 members of staff in an effort to save £500 million over the next two years.

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Authors

Phoebe Kowhai BarnesFreelance Writer

Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a Freelance Writer who covers pop culture and entertainment programmes for the Radio Times. She previously worked as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab where she managed its local department. She obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature from University of Nottingham.

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