Appointing Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, as BBC director general is smarter than critics admit. Although he was on the board of the Guardian’s publisher, Mr Brittin was no journalist. He does understand platforms, scale and digital audiences.

Director generals come under scrutiny when crises hit, like this week’s sacking of Scott Mills over his “personal conduct”. It then emerged that police previously questioned the Radio 2 DJ over separate allegations, of serious sexual offences, closing the case due to lack of evidence. But the role’s underlying challenge is facing future threats to the corporation’s audience.

On one measure, YouTube reaches more Britons than the BBC’s channels combined. But hovering into view is AI, which has facilitated misinformation, error and ignorance. It is already beginning to mediate the news – and how it is understood. Ofcom says about 30% of........

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