News Broadcasting
UTV files IPO prospectus with SEBI
MUMBAI: UTV Software Communications Ltd (UTV), today filed the prospectus with the Stocks and Exchange Board of India for entering the capital market with a public issue of 5,999,950 equity shares of Rs10 each through a 100 percent book building process. The IPO is expected to happen sometime between September and November 2004.
The maiden public issue by UTV comprises a fresh issue of 3,000,000 equity shares and an offer for sale of 2,999,950 equity shares of Rs10 each. This includes a reservation of 299,950 equity shares for employees on a competitive basis. The net offer issue to public of 5,700,000 equity shares would constitute 31.68 per cent of the fully diluted post issue paid-up capital of the company, says an official release. For the 10-month period ending January 2004, the company posted revenues of Rs 871 million and a PAT of Rs 85.2 million.
The proceeds funds from the IPO will be used for enhancement of production facility and office infrastructure, investment in UTV’s own kids channel (Hungama TV), funding of SFX and post-production expansion, working on growth plans in studio and post production infrastructure to cope with its augmented requirements and capital requirements for its film movie distribution initiatives and general corporate purposes.
The issue, according to the company, is being made through 100 per cent book building process, wherein up to 50 per cent of the Net Offer Issue to Public will be allocated to Qualified Institutional Buyers on a discretionary basis, not less than 25 per cent of the Net Offer Issue to Public would be allocated to Non-Institutional Investors and not less than 25 per cent of the Net Offer Issue to Public, would be allocated to Retail Individual Investors on a proportionate basis, subject to valid bids being received from them at or above the Issue Price, says the release.
Claiming to be the only Indian content creation media company with multiple revenue streams from activities that span the gamut of media and include movie production, movie distribution, TV programming, animation, SFX, air time sales and investment in broadcast channels, UTV says its customer base includes companies like Walt Disney, Times Warner, Fox, National Geographic Channel and The History Channel.
The lead manager to the issue is Enam Financial Consultants and co-book running lead manager is IL& FS Investsmart. The shares are proposed to be listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.
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.
