Trust issues at the BBC “tend to pass,” according to former interim DG Rhodri Talfan Davies.
Faced with a question at today’s Enders TMT Leaders Live Conference over a string of scandals at the BBC that have taken place in recent months, damaging trust, Talfan Davies said the audience moves on.
“Those things tend to pass,” he added. “You hold on to the day-to-day difference you make.”
He pointed out that the BBC is the number one trusted news service in both the world and the UK. “This is an organization that is winning,” he said. “People want a bedrock in this world of trust and truth and time and time again they come to the BBC.”
On the future of the BBC’s funding, Talfan Davies said there is “lots at stake if we don’t start putting BBC funding on a sustainable basis.” “We are open minded but need a funding model that reflects and recognizes the universal nature of what we do,” he said.
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BBC funding will be set after the upcoming charter renewal taking place over the coming months. The BBC continues to shout from the rooftops that while 94% of the nation watches the BBC, only 80% pay their annual £180 ($240) fee.
Talfan Davies was Director General for six weeks between Tim Davie and Matt Brittin. He had to spend his time revealing a layoffs plan that will see 2,000 staff, around 10%, exit the corporation.