From YouTube to Trump: six urgent issues for BBC’s new boss, Matt Brittin

Analysis From YouTube to Trump: six urgent issues for BBC’s new boss, Matt Brittin Michael Savage Media editor Pressing tasks for new director general also include an expiring royal charter, and finding a new top team Matt Brittin may have only just been announced as the new BBC director general, but his inbox is already overflowing. Here are his immediate challenges: Crucial talks over the BBC’s future A major reason for Brittin’s appointment is that he was seen as a figure with the presence to plunge straight into government talks over the renewal of the BBC’s royal charter, which expires at the end of 2027. Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, has already said she is keen to give the BBC additional political protection. However, Brittin will face huge decisions over reforming the BBC’s funding model. Tim Davie, his predecessor, pushed back against a subscription or ad-funded model, but also called for radical reform to the licence fee. That could result in a big change to the rules governing when someone is required to have a licence. Make big internal cuts To make things even harder, the BBC has already announced it is embarking on a major programme of internal cuts – 10% across departments, which will require savings in the hundreds of millions. That will cause significant internal unrest and uncertainty, and will almost certainly mean cuts to staff and programming. Identify a new top team Brittin has the task of surrounding himself with the right people, which will be critical in helping a director general lacking editorial experience. He is looking not only for a deputy, but also a new head of BBC News. Given the pressure the BBC’s news coverage comes under from political and commercial rivals, it is important he gets it right. Managing the Trump court case Managing an unprecedented court case with the US president would be a tall order for any director general, but Brittin will have to deal with it from day one. The BBC is already fighting Donald Trump’s attem...