News Broadcasting
Buena Vista Intl TV concludes VoD deal with a Korean broadcaster
MUMBAI:Buena Vista International Television–Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP), the international television distribution arm of Disney has concluded a multi-year agreement with Korean pay-per-view (PPV) and video-on-demand (VoD) operator CGV Choice, a subsidiary of CJ Media.
The deal is for current and library features from BVITV-AP’s features portfolio. BVITV-AP is the first US studio to deliver Hollywood movies on CGV Choice’s VOD platform. This agreement is in line with Disney’s focus on the application of technology to enhance its content and expand its distribution to deliver it anytime, anywhere.
Under this licensing agreement, subscribers to CGV Choice are able to enjoy films like The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Pirates of The Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl, Flightplan, National Treasure and Casanova.
BVITV-AP’s senior VP, MD Steve Macallister says, “We are pleased to be the first U.S. studio to be delivering hit Hollywood blockbusters on-demand to CGV Choice’s pay-per-view and VOD subscribers. This is another groundbreaking new media deal for BVITV in Korea and reflects our commitment to finding new and innovative ways to deliver our quality content whenever consumers want it.”
CJ Media executive VP Richard Shim says, “We are thrilled to have BVITV-AP as an important partner of our service. CGV Choice is Korea’s premier PPV and VOD operator and service brand of CJ Media.
“At present, Korea’s Cable TV market is fast developing its digital convergence, and VOD stands to lead in new media. We look forward to providing our VOD subscribers with BVITV-AP’s high quality Hollywood blockbusters that will position us as the leader in this exciting new media space.”
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
