BBC’s Israel controversies loom over new director-general’s first day
Matt Brittin says BBC is needed “more than ever” after broadcaster faced criticism over anti-IDF chants broadcast live
Former Google boss Matt Brittin said “the world needs the BBC more than ever” on his first day as the corporation’s director-general.
He takes on the role during a turbulent time for the broadcaster following a series of controversies, including criticism after the BBC continued to livestream Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set as chants of “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)” were broadcast.
Mr Brittin arrived at BBC Broadcasting House in Portland Place, central London, shortly before 8.15am on Monday wearing a dark suit and greeted reporters waiting outside the building.
He said he was “honoured” and “humbled” to be taking the job, and had had a “really strong coffee” and taken a “deep breath” before his first day.
The director-general added: “I’m also very aware how complicated, uncertain and fast changing the world is, and I think when I look at the 100-year history of the BBC, how it serves its audiences, how it’s adapted at pace and has risen in times of crisis, I also believe that today the world needs the BBC more than ever, here in the UK and around the world, for today and for tomorrow.”
A handful of protesters holding placards bearing the logo of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) stood outside the office waiting for him.
One sign read “Newshour bosses: share the cuts pain” and another read “BBC Radio World Service don’t sink the flagship”.
A former McKinsey consultant, Mr Brittin worked for Google from 2007, leaving in 2025 after serving as head of the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region for a decade.
His salary will be £565,000, the same as his predecessor Tim Davie, according to reports.
During Mr Davie’s tenure, the corporation faced a number of controversies. Alongside criticism over the Glastonbury livestream, the BBC also faced backlash after a racial slur was broadcast during the Bafta Film Awards.
Editorial coverage also led to a 10 billion dollar (£7.5 billion) lawsuit from US President Donald Trump over the editing of a Panorama documentary.
The lawsuit claimed the documentary, broadcast in 2024, gave the impression Mr Trump encouraged supporters to storm the Capitol building in 2021 after losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden.
Mr Brittin, who competed for Britain’s rowing team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and won bronze at the 1989 World Rowing Championships, was made a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours earlier this year for services to technology and digital skills.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, chairwoman of Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said Mr Brittin “will have a significant job on his hands” during what she described as a “period of turbulence” for the broadcaster.
Meanwhile, the BBC has advertised internally for a new deputy director-general, with applications closing on 25 May. The role will help oversee the corporation’s editorial strategy and standards and deputise for Brittin when required.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
