BBC Boss Says He Would Hire AI Presenters and Warns of Possible Channel Cuts

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

The BBC is planning possible closures of channels and radio stations and an increased role for artificial intelligence in content creation as part of a £500 million cost-saving effort that includes about 2,000 job cuts by 2028-29. These changes respond to shifting audience habits and financial pressures, with formal announcements expected by October and the broadcaster aiming to balance innovation with maintaining human creativity.

The BBC is considering significant changes to its output amid ongoing financial pressures, including potential closures of channels and radio stations, and increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content production. Matt Brittin, the corporation’s director-general, outlined these prospects in an interview with Laura Kuenssberg, portions of which were previewed ahead of a full broadcast scheduled for Sunday.

Brittin emphasised that no BBC programme or channel is guaranteed to exist indefinitely, reflecting the broadcaster’s efforts to achieve £500 million in savings by 2028-29. Around 2,000 job cuts are anticipated as part of this cost-reduction drive. The BBC has already cancelled several shows in recent months, including Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind, Live At The Apollo, and Football Focus.

The director-general pointed to shifting audience behaviour as a key factor behind potential service changes. “If most of an audience is getting things on demand, we have to look at the cost and the value of all those different services,” he said. Channels such as BBC3 and BBC Scotland are reportedly under scrutiny and could be moved entirely online or discontinued. Brittin suggested a formal announcement on such changes could come as soon as October.

In addition to altering its channel lineup, the BBC is exploring ways to incorporate AI technology into its production processes. Brittin indicated a willingness to experiment with AI-generated presenters and programming but stressed that human creativity remains central to the organisation’s work. “I don’t think anything we do should be replaced by AI,” he said, adding that AI could assist in making the licence fee stretch further and support decision-making and creativity rather than serve as a substitute for human input.

Brittin also voiced concerns about the dominance of a few major technology companies in controlling access to information, highlighting the potential risks as AI technologies become more widespread. He portrayed the BBC’s services as a counterbalance to commercially driven algorithms prevalent elsewhere online.

The corporation faces ongoing challenges related to funding, with Brittin having previously described the current licence fee system as problematic, noting that while 94 percent of UK households access BBC services monthly, only around 80 percent pay the £180 annual fee.

The BBC’s forthcoming charter renewal, expected in approximately 18 months, may clarify longer-term funding arrangements and potentially influence the broadcaster’s strategic direction. Meanwhile, Brittin indicated the organisation must make quicker decisions on some service adjustments due to immediate financial constraints.

The full interview with Matt Brittin will air on BBC One on Sunday morning.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.