News media must stay relevant or ‘society will struggle’, says BBC boss

News organisations must adapt to changing audience habits or risk a decline in public trust that could leave society struggling, the BBC’s director general has warned.

Tim Davie said that while the demand for high-quality journalism remains high, the way people consume information is shifting rapidly, particularly among younger generations.

If we do not remain relevant, if we do not find ways to reach people where they are, then society will struggle to have a shared understanding of the world around it.

Speaking at a media industry event, Davie highlighted the challenges posed by the rise of social media platforms and the proliferation of misinformation. He argued that public service broadcasters have a crucial role in providing impartial, fact-based reporting that cuts through the noise.

The comments come as the Reuters Institute’s latest Digital News Report revealed that trust in news has dropped to a new low globally in 2026. The report suggests that audiences are increasingly turning away from traditional news outlets in favour of social media feeds and influencers.

Davie emphasised that the BBC is committed to digital transformation, investing in new technologies and platforms to ensure its content remains accessible and engaging. He also stressed the importance of maintaining editorial standards and transparency to rebuild public confidence.