News Broadcasting
CASBAA adds ten new convergence members
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is expanding its membership list to include New Economy corporations and telcos as well as traditional pay-TV players.
In early July, Hong Kong-listed Pacific Century CyberWorks (PCCW) joined CASBAA as a Patron Member, the highest level of membership. Patron Membership grants a company an automatic seat on the CASBAA Board of Directors. On July 1, PCCW (www.pcg-group.com) launched a regional Broadband service, Network of the World, distributed via cable and satellite to TVs as well as PCs.
Also new to the Association is Hong Kong-listed cellular phone system operator Sunday Communications, which is examining opportunities for a 3G Broadband license in Hong Kong and elsewhere.
Meanwhile, financial and business information service Bloomberg LP (www.bloomberg.com/asia) has upgraded its membership from Associate status to Patron level and will also take a seat on the CASBAA Board of Directors.
Other new CASBAA members include:
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s regional pay-TV channel AXN Action TV which has joined CASBAA as a corporate member (www.axn-asia.com)
UK-based satellite communications consultancy Communications Systems Ltd. (Comsys) (www.comsys.co.uk)
Bombay-based media investor UTV’s Vijay TV, which recently launched its Sharkstream broadband service (www.utvnet.com)
Hong Kong-based Internet content provider WebArts TV.com (www.asianartnews.com)
Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Vision, a group that provides satellite up linking services as well as video production services (www.apvweb.com)
Asia Capacity Exchange, a consortium that provides online bandwidth exchange services (www.ace-asia.com).
CSM Sofres, a leading market research group specialising broadcast media with a special interest in China among other Asian markets (www.csm.com.cn)
X [Ventures], led by Bangkok-based entrepreneur Jeff Blatt, provides consulting and representation services for clients in the satellite, broadcasting, Internet, multimedia, high technology and venture capital industries (www.xventures.com)
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.
