Ex-Google man takes reins at under-fire BBC
Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, has been appointed as the new director-general of the BBC amid significant challenges. He takes over during a time of proposed job cuts and a high-profile lawsuit from US President Donald Trump. Brittin emphasized the need for the BBC to adapt quickly to serve its audience effectively.
- ▪Matt Brittin started his role as the BBC's director-general on May 18, 2026.
- ▪The BBC is facing proposed job cuts of up to 2,000 positions as part of a cost-reduction strategy.
- ▪Brittin replaces Tim Davie, who resigned following a lawsuit from Donald Trump over a controversial documentary.
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Ex-Google man takes reins at under-fire BBCSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMr Matt Brittin starts the job against a background of drastic shifts in the media landscape.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 18, 2026, 08:56 PMUpdated May 18, 2026, 08:56 PMLONDON - A former Google executive took over as the BBC’s new director-general on May 18 amid proposed job cuts and a US$10-billion (S$12.78 billion) lawsuit brought by US President Donald Trump, arguing that the world now “needs the BBC more than ever”.Mr Matt Brittin, 57, who has no broadcasting or journalism experience, starts the job against a background of drastic shifts in the media landscape.The British-born executive was for over a decade president of Google’s Europe, Middle East and Africa division, which earns…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.