BBC must modernise or be swept away by YouTube, warns Culture Secretary

The BBC must do more to modernise or risk getting swept away by YouTube, the Culture Secretary has warned.



Jeremy Wright said TV bosses needed to make more effort to adapt to modern audiences or risk getting left behind by online rivals.

Speaking for the first time in his new role, Mr Wright told the Edinburgh TV festival: “For me one fact brings this home loud and clear. Young people in Britain now recognise the name YouTube more than they recognise the name of the BBC.

“In these changing times, we must look at what our British broadcasters can do to adapt and thrive

And he suggested that traditional media outlets had to do more to ensure “greater diversity and representation both on and off screen.”

Mr Wright welcomed plans from Channel 4 to move parts of their operations outside of London and warned other broadcasters to avoid being “clustered” in the capital.

“A media that is clustered in the capital can’t possibly reflect and represent the rich and diverse tapestry that is the United Kingdom”, he said.

“I am looking forward to hearing the location of the new national HQ and creative hubs in October and I hope all broadcasters and producers will follow [Channel 4’s] lead and encourage the spread of jobs, prosperity and opportunity beyond London.”

Mr Wright also attempted to lay to rest fears from media companies that post-Brexit migration plans could damage the industry, saying: “I know that there is concern about how talent will be able to move between the UK and the EU after out exit from the European Union.

“Although you will understand that the final outcome is still subject to negotiation, I can say that the government fully understands how important mobility is for this sector.”

He added: “Regardless of our settlement with the EU, broadcasting will remain a vital part of what Britain offers the world.”

It comes amid warnings from Jeremy Corbyn that the state broadcaster would face new reforms under a Labour government, including elections to the BBC board and the establishment of a new independent body to set the licence fee.