New BBC Boss Matt Brittin in the Hot Seat (Literally) as He Answers MP Questions on Everything From the Licence Fee Model to Fresh Scandals

Matt Brittin, a longtime Google executive and former Olympic rower, is the BBC's new Director-General—a role so notoriously difficult that several top contenders, including Apple's European creative director, reportedly declined it. The appointment has been described as a poisoned chalice, and Brittin's first test came fast: a grilling by the UK parliamentary committee over two of the BBC's thorniest issues—the licence fee that funds the broadcaster, and recent scandals that have dented its public standing. According to Variety, Brittin faced tough questions from MPs on both the corporation's funding model and its reputation challenges. Whether an executive from the tech world can navigate the politics of Britain's most scrutinized media institution remains an open question.

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