BBC’s Director of R&D departs

News of Aythora’s departure this week was first reported by Deadline, which said his role would not be replaced amid plans for the BBC’s Media Tech unit to cut costs by at least £100m.

Aythora has been in his current role since 2021, where he led the BBC’s AI and machine learning initiatives. He has also played a key role in the creation of Content Credentials, the media industry initiative to help verify content and tackle misinformation.

Before being appointed Director, Jatin was the BBC's Chief Architect, responsible for the corporation's digital, enterprise, and broadcast technology strategy, machine learning, and architecture practices.

Deadline quoted an internal email by Storm Fagan, Chief Technology, Product Officer, BBC, that thanked Aythora for his “immense contribution and commitment to the BBC.”

“I want to be really clear that the work our R&D colleagues do is hugely valued and will continue to be in future. Their expertise is vital to not just media tech but the wider organisation and industry,” she added.

Aythora said: “The BBC gave my curiosity, innovative instincts, and creativity somewhere real to live, inside a mission worth believing in. That’s shaped how I’ve worked with you as much as what we’ve built together.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC has a proud history of innovation and research and development, helping to shape broadcasting and improve audience experiences for over 100 years. These proposals are designed to build on that success. Bringing these experts closer to the teams developing BBC products and services that are used by millions of people each day will help us do more to meet audiences where they are and move faster to the future.”

“A smaller central R&D team will focus on long-term innovation, industry standards, future technologies, and partnerships. R&D expertise remains highly valued across the BBC and the wider industry and continues to play an important role in delivering our public service mission.”

In an exclusive interview with IBC365, Alice Taylor, Director, BBC Studios' new AI Creative Lab, recently described a “strong, cautious enthusiasm” among BBC production teams for the initiative. Discover more here.