Matt Brittin appointed new BBC Director-General

25 March 2026

Matt Brittin appointed new BBC Director-General

He will take over the role on 18 May

“At its best, it shows us, and the world, who we are. It’s an extraordinary, uniquely British asset, with over 100 years of innovation in storytelling, technology and powering creativity. I’m honoured and excited to be asked to serve as Director-General.”

— Matt Brittin, Incoming Director-General

The BBC Board has today appointed Matt Brittin as the 18th Director-General of the BBC. Matt, former President Google EMEA, will take over the role on 18 May.

The Director-General of the BBC is the Corporation’s chief executive officer and editor-in-chief. They are responsible for the creative, editorial and operational leadership of the BBC within the United Kingdom and around the globe.

As previously confirmed, Rhodri Talfan Davies will lead the BBC as Interim Director-General following Tim Davie’s departure on 2 April. During this period, Matt will undergo an onboarding process and begin detailed introductory meetings to get a full understanding of the business. Rhodri will have full executive responsibility until 18 May, when Matt begins his tenure.

Among his other priorities, Matt intends to appoint a Deputy Director-General.

Samir Shah, Chairman of the BBC Board, said: “Matt brings to the BBC deep experience of leading a high-profile and highly-complex organisation through transformation. He is an outstanding leader and has the skills needed to navigate the organisation through the many changes taking place in the media market and in audience behaviours.

“Matt’s passion for the BBC, his understanding of the challenges facing the organisation, his commitment to its independence and his determination to maintain the BBC’s position as one of the country’s greatest national assets were critical factors in the Board’s decision to appoint him as the 18th Director-General.

“Matt joins the BBC at a critical time. The Government’s review of the Charter is underway, and it is clear there is need for radical reform of the BBC, its funding model and the framework in which it operates. The stakes for the BBC, and the future of public service broadcasting, have never been higher.

“The Board and I believe Matt is the right person to lead the BBC as it fights for a sustainable future in an uncertain world, for the benefit of audiences and the UK.”

Incoming Director-General, Matt Brittin, said: “Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast changing world. At its best, it shows us, and the world, who we are. It’s an extraordinary, uniquely British asset, with over 100 years of innovation in storytelling, technology and powering creativity. I’m honoured and excited to be asked to serve as Director-General.

“Working alongside so many talented journalists, creatives and technicians, across the country and around the world, I join with humility, to listen, to learn, to lead, and to serve the public, working hard to earn their trust every day.

“This is a moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity. 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. I can’t wait to start this work.”

Matt joined Google in 2007 to lead the UK business and left in 2025 after heading their EMEA region for ten years. He previously worked in regional and national press and in consulting on media and technology. Matt served on the Board of Sainsbury’s for nine years and has just stepped down from the Board of the Guardian Media Group.

Notes to Editors

The salary of the new Director-General will be £565,000

BBC Studios expands footprint in Africa with CANAL+

15 March 2026

BBC Studios expands footprint in Africa with CANAL+

BBC Studios has announced that premium factual channel BBC Earth will launch in French language for the first time in Africa on CANAL+ in April 2026.

The launch will bring world class natural history programming and premium factual storytelling to a wider African audience, providing 22 French-speaking Sub-Saharan African countries access to the channel.

The new French language feed will bring BBC Studios’ award winning factual catalogue to millions of additional viewers, offering a breathtaking window into the natural world, pioneering scientific documentaries and extraordinary human stories.

At launch, BBC Earth will present a standout line-up of landmark natural history series and powerful documentaries from BBC Studios’ acclaimed factual library. Viewers can expect celebrated productions from BBC Studios Natural History Unit, including Seven Worlds, One Planet, The Green Planet, Frozen Planet II and Blue Planet II, all narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

The channel line-up also features a wide selection of specialist wildlife documentaries such as Natural World: Giraffes – Africa’s Gentle Giants, My Congo, Cheetah Family and Me, and Natural World: Cheetahs Growing Up Fast, offering intimate portraits of remarkable species and the people working to protect them. Global series including Africa, Earth, Universe and The Planets will also be available on the channel, providing perspectives on the natural world.

Adventure and exploration are also central to the channel, with titles such as Where the Wild Men Are, Life Below Zero, Arctic with Bruce Parry and Steve Backshall’s Extreme River Challenge taking viewers into some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments.

The channel’s programming will be dubbed in French and expertly curated scheduling tailored to the interests and viewing habits of Francophone markets.

Pierre Cloete, VP for Africa at BBC Studios, said: “The French language launch of BBC Earth on CANAL+ marks a significant milestone in BBC Studios’ commitment to making exceptional factual content accessible to global audiences in their own language. We are thrilled to expand BBC Earth’s footprint in partnership with CANAL+. African audiences have a deep passion for documentary storytelling and we are proud to bring even more people the very best of BBC Studios’ natural history, science, and factual catalogue.”

Fabrice Faux, Channels & Content Director for French-Speaking Africa said : “CANAL+ is happy and proud to offer its subscribers the high-quality factual entertainment from BBC Earth, which will ideally complement its discovery vertical. Educational programming is also a key component of CANAL+’s offers in Africa, and BBC Earth is a strong addition in this area.”

The channel will be available on Channel 203 within TOUT CANAL+

wedotv BIG stories Launches on Freeview UK Channel 275

9 March 2026

wedotv BIG stories Launches on Freeview UK Channel 275

wedotv movies now available on channel 98 as a DTT Channel with FAST, SSAI and CMP enabled

Freeview today welcomes the launch of wedotv BIG stories on Channel 275, further expanding its diverse content offering to UK audiences.

In addition, wedotv movies is now available on Channel 98 as a fully integrated DTT channel, combining traditional broadcast reach with advanced digital monetisation capabilities, including FAST architecture, Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI), and a Consent Management Platform (CMP).

Both channels are powered by cutting-edge technology from Synapse and facilitated by Global Distribution Services, a leading content aggregator and distributor on the UK DTT platform.

wedotv BIG stories brings viewers a compelling slate of high-quality factual and documentary programming, while wedotv movies offers a curated selection of popular films, now enhanced through hybrid broadcast and streaming capabilities. The integration of FAST, SSAI, and CMP ensures scalable monetisation, targeted advertising, and compliance with evolving privacy standards.

Global Distribution Services currently operates 140 TV channels on Freeview, reinforcing its position as one of the largest channel aggregators on the platform. Through its partnership with Synapse, Global Distribution Services continues to enable broadcasters and content owners to launch and monetise channels efficiently across the UK’s leading free-to-air ecosystem.

Tanya Kronfli, CEO of Global Distribution Services, commented: “We are proud to support wedotv in expanding its footprint on Freeview. By leveraging Synapse’s technology stack — including FAST, SSAI, and CMP — we are enabling a seamless blend of linear broadcast and IP innovation. This launch reflects our commitment to delivering scalable, future-ready channel solutions while maximising reach and monetisation opportunities on the UK’s leading free-to-air platform.”

Philipp Rotermund, CEO of wedotv, added: “The launch of wedotv BIG stories on Freeview marks another important milestone in our UK expansion. We are delighted to strengthen our presence on the platform and to bring engaging, high-quality storytelling to a wider audience. With wedotv movies now available as a DTT channel powered by advanced ad-tech capabilities, we are combining the scale of broadcast with the precision and flexibility of digital.”

This dual launch highlights the ongoing evolution of the Freeview platform, blending broadcast distribution with IP-delivered innovation to provide viewers with more choice and advertisers with enhanced opportunities.

ABC champions Southeast Asian emerging media leaders with new Future Voices programme

7 March 2026

ABC champions Southeast Asian emerging media leaders with new Future Voices programme

ABC International’s media development unit, ABC International Development (ABCID), has launched an innovative three-year programme called Future Voices, offering hands-on leadership and digital journalism training to Southeast Asia’s next generation of media leaders.

The programme’s launch coincides with Australia hosting the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup and some participants are spending two-weeks in Brisbane and the Gold Coast where they will receive on-the-ground mentoring and mobile journalism training at matches and earn a micro-credential in Leadership and Sports Diplomacy at Griffith University.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said, “We are proud to launch this significant new programme, leveraging the ABC’s expertise in building and managing independent, ethical and inclusive newsrooms and sharing these skills with our colleagues across the region. Future Voices will strengthen Australian connections with Asia, building meaningful relationships with and between the region’s media organisations and this year, championing female participation in news and sports media.”

ABCID Manager Jo Elsom said the new programme will equip young media professionals with a suite of practical reporting skills, strengthening their capacity to elevate coverage of cultural and sporting events in their own countries.

“Programme graduates will have the unique opportunity to practice commentary, interviews, and match-day reporting in real time at a major international women’s sporting event, developing high-quality, multi-platform sport content in a fast-paced environment. Combined with their course at Griffith University, they will return to their media organisations with important new leadership and management skills.”

“It’s critical that we continue enhancing the capability of our media leaders across our region, to encourage diverse and independent reporting – Future Voices gives journalists from across our region such a wonderful opportunity to build connections and deepen their skills.”

Head of the ASEAN-Australia Centre, Fiona Hoggart, said the Centre is dedicated to championing initiatives like Future Voices that build capability and deepen Australia’s connections with Southeast Asia.

“The ASEAN-Australia Centre is proud to support such a valuable programme,” Ms Hoggart said. “Future Voices not only strengthens our partnerships in Southeast Asia, it gives young journalists the chance to build practical skills and supports quality reporting across our region as Australia hosts the Women’s Asian Cup.

“Participants will form relationships with colleagues from across Australia and Southeast Asia that will last for years to come.”

Griffith University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Caitlin Byrne AM said, “Griffith University is committed to supporting a strong and vibrant media landscape across the Asia–Pacific. We are delighted to partner with the ABC to equip sports journalists from the region with the skills and confidence to lead informed, meaningful public discourse within a rapidly evolving media environment.”

Future Voices aims to deepen Australia’s regional connections and foster a peaceful, prosperous Southeast Asia, with a new cohort entering the program each year, and is supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s ASEAN-Australia Centre.

BBC launches emergency lifeline radio programme for Iran

6 March 2026

BBC launches emergency lifeline radio programme for Iran

BBC World Service has launched a temporary emergency lifeline radio programme for Iran in response to the ongoing turmoil in the country, and the unprecedented crackdown on protests.

To complement the existing BBC News Persian video and digital services, the radio programme will be available on medium wave and shortwave across Iran to increase the population’s access to news and information. To broaden its offer and availability of programming, the BBC World Service has also made some of its TV content available on medium wave radio.

Since 8 January, the Iranian people have been subject to an internet blackout. Prior to this, BBC News Persian’s digital services saw their biggest reach in a year with their platforms reaching more than 33 million people.

The short-term programme will cover the latest news and developments in Iran and will place events inside the country within their wider regional and international context. It will feature voices from inside Iran alongside clear, informed analysis of the most recent political, social, and economic developments shaping the situation in the country.

The programme will air daily for 30 minutes across medium and shortwave frequencies from 4.30pm GMT / 8pm Iran Standard Time. The temporary programme has been granted resource from existing funds until the end of March 2026.

Fiona Crack, Interim Global Director, BBC News, says: “A key role of the BBC World Service is to step up in times of crisis to provide news and information for our audiences in greatest need. BBC News Persian reaches one in four adults in Iran, which is an astonishing feat considering their reporting is banned in the country.

“The team have been essential in telling the urgent story of the Iranian people to audiences around the world, and our new radio programme will give the Iranian people more ways to access independent and impartial news.”

Tarik Kafala, Interim Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa, says: “BBC News Persian have worked tirelessly to deliver journalism throughout this period of unrest as the demand for trusted news has soared in Iran. The teams have supplied extended TV hours in Iran and an increased offer on digital platforms for the Iranian people. They have reported for UK audiences across bulletins, live pages and on forensic journalism with BBC Verify.”

BBC World Service has a history of launching emergency services in times of crisis. In April 2025, BBC News Burmese started providing audio and video content on a satellite channel in the aftermath of Myanmar earthquake.

In December 2024, following the fall of the Assad regime, BBC World Service set up an enhanced audio channel on FM and medium wave for the people of Syria. This follows the emergency radio service for Gaza in November 2023 and for Sudan in May 2023 amid conflict.

In February 2022, the BBC News Ukraine service extended TV bulletins following the invasion of the country.

Where to find the programme:

The live programme will be available at 4.30pm GMT (8pm Iran Time) on 702kHz medium wave and 9465kHz short wave
The programme will be repeated at 6pm GMT (9.30pm Iran time) on 702kHz mediumwave and 5935kHz shortwave
A visualised version of the programme will be broadcast on BBC Persian TV at 6pm GMT (9.30pm Iran time)

ABC Radio Australia launches on DAB+

4 March 2026

ABC Radio Australia launches on DAB+

ABC Radio Australia is now available on DAB+ digital radio in Australia, making it easier than ever for Pacific communities to connect with trusted news, music, sport and culture from home.

Listeners in Australian capital cities, the Gold Coast and Launceston can tune in to ABC Radio Australia on DAB+, bringing the ABC’s international Pacific and Timor-Leste broadcast service to digital radio for the first time in Australia.

ABC Radio Australia offers 24-hour programming including Pacific-focused news and current affairs, music, sport and cultural storytelling. The service has long been available internationally, and via the ABC Pacific website and ABC listen app, and its arrival on DAB+ expands access for audiences across Australia.

The service showcases Pacific voices and perspectives, with content reflecting life, culture and conversations from countries including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Northern Pacific, alongside stories about Pacific communities living in Australia.

ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer said the launch was about meeting audiences where they are and deepening connections with Pacific communities. “ABC Radio Australia plays a vital role in reflecting Pacific voices and experiences and connecting communities across our region.

“Making the service available on DAB+ expands access even further, helping more people engage with trusted Pacific news, culture and storytelling – in the car, at home, and in everyday life.”

Head of ABC International Claire Gorman said, “With support from the Australian government, ABC Radio Australia has doubled its broadcast footprint in the Pacific in recent years, and tripled its unique content, bringing the best news, sport, music and culture to Pacific audiences.

“It is only fitting that this is now easily available to Australian audiences on DAB+, so they can learn and engage more with the diverse and important Pacific region.”

Listeners can find ABC Radio Australia by scanning for DAB+ stations on their digital radio, alongside other ABC networks DAB+ networks ABC Jazz, ABC Country, Double J, ABC Sport, triple j Unearthed and ABC Kids listen.

Information about DAB+ including availability and tuning instructions can be found on the ABC’s Help page.

ABC Radio Australia is also available on ABC listen.