Former Google executive has been appointed director-general of the British public broadcaster BBC. Matt Brittin is replacing Tim Davie, who announced his resignation amid controversy over a documentary the BBC made about US President Donald Trump.
The BBC board made the appointment on Wednesday.
The 57-year-old Brittin joined Google in 2007 and departed last year after heading the Europe, Middle East and Africa operations. He will formally assume the post in May.
The BBC has faced criticism over the documentary about Trump that aired ahead of the 2024 US presidential election. The Panorama investigative news program is accused of editing footage of a speech the president made to misrepresent what he said. In November last year, Davie said he would step down to take responsibility for the affair.
Brittin said in a statement: “The BBC needs the pace and energy to be both where stories are, and where audiences are. To build on the reach, trust and creative strengths today, confront challenges with courage, and thrive as a public service fit for the future.”
UK media say appointing the leader from a tech giant with no experience in the broadcasting industry is a major turning point for the BBC.
Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against the BBC over the documentary, seeking at least 10 billion dollars in damages.
Brittin faces the challenges of how to deal with the suit and responding to the changing environment surrounding the media.
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