BBC could see vast cuts to content, suggests new director-general Tim Davie

First speech follows speculation left-wing comedy will be targeted

BBC director-general Tim Davie (PA)

The BBC's new director-general, Tim Davie, has suggested there could be vast cuts to content at the broadcaster.

The corporation has responded to competition from US giants by making more and more, Davie said in his first speech to staff on Thursday (3 September), but it is time to "make less".

“The truth is that we have tried to cope with increasing competition by making more and spreading ourselves too thinly,” he said.

"Of course, we need to offer a broad choice as the BBC, and we should not retreat to a narrow offer, but we have been too slow to stop things that don't work."

Davie, who recently stepped in to replace Tony Hall, added: "We are going to look in all areas and identify how we can have more impact by making less.

"I want us to consider what we would do if we could only make 80% of our current hours. What would we stop?"

He said the "simple" move was not "about cuts to save money".

Davie applauded dramas such as Normal People, Line Of Duty, Fleabag, an EastEnders special, and documentaries Blue Planet 2 and Once Upon A Time In Iraq.

He said Strictly Come Dancing, Wimbledon, comedy This Country, the BBC's VE Day 75 coverage, educational service BBC Bitesize, the World Service and regional and national news were all examples of where the broadcaster builds a connection with the audience.

But the BBC must re-allocate "funds to where they generate most value - to ensure that we make our output world-beating and utterly distinctive", he said.

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He also said there was "too much bureaucracy", adding: "I want every area of the BBC not to moan about bureaucracy but dismantle it."

The news comes following speculation Davie is planning to cut down on left-wing comedy.

Additional reporting by PA.