Russell T Davies Criticises BBC Director-General's AI Comments

Russell T Davies has labelled BBC director-general Matt Brittin's recent comments on artificial intelligence as 'clumsy', igniting a public disagreement about the technology's impact on writers and artists. The longtime Doctor Who writer and showrunner made the criticism during an appearance on BBC Radio 4's The Media Show, prompted by host John Kay.

Davies expressed frustration at being drawn into the debate, stating, 'Don’t start me on that. If you lead me into an opinion on artificial intelligence, it’ll chase me for the rest of my life and get quoted at me.' He elaborated that Brittin, who joined the BBC earlier this year after 18 years at Google, 'hasn't worked in television for that long and might not be so fruity with an opinion in future.'

BBC leadership defends AI stance

Matt Brittin has responded to the criticism by insisting human creativity remains central to the BBC's mission, enhanced by AI tools rather than replaced by them. Speaking at the Royal Television Society’s London convention and later in a staff meeting last week, Brittin addressed the fallout from his earlier remarks. He joked he had 'got into trouble' over his comments, which he said were an attempt to highlight the 'pace of change'.

Brittin stressed his fundamental belief in human creativity. 'I want to be really clear: Humans are leading, and I believe in human creativity, enhanced by whatever tools,' he said. He emphasized that human-led creativity would always be at the heart of the BBC's mission. His original controversial comments referenced being sent a 'pretty good' 50-minute unofficial Doctor Who episode created with AI.

Doctor Who future under discussion

As Russell T Davies confirmed earlier this year he would be stepping away from Doctor Who, the BBC is seeking new producers through a competitive tender for series launching in 2028/29. The tender has now closed for submissions, with production companies including Hat Trick Mercurio, World Productions, STV Studios and two BBC Studios labels reportedly entering bids.

The BBC's tender document outlined specific creative demands for the iconic science-fiction series.

Davies, who revived Doctor Who in 2005 after a 16-year absence and again in 2023, promised another series is on the cards with production starting next summer, featuring a brand-new Doctor and companion.

Wider industry concerns on AI writing

Beyond the immediate clash, Russell T Davies expressed deep concern that AI is already beginning to replace writers in some circumstances. He stated he 'very much' worries AI would start to replace writers and suggested in some cases it may already be happening. Davies said he has heard stories of fellow writers using AI prompts to generate first drafts, a practice he finds shocking, and confirmed he does not use AI to write his own scripts.

The writer, known for creating series like Queer as Folk, It's a Sin, and Years and Years, also reflected on the changing nature of fandom and copyright in the AI era. He noted that fans are now making their own broadcast-quality episodes using AI, comparing it to his childhood act of drawing episodes, and mused that 'we’re essentially looking at the end of copyright.'

Russell T Davies promised another Doctor Who series is on the cards, with production starting summer next year.