News Broadcasting
Russian communication satellite launched
Russian communication satellite, Express-A1R was launched from Baikonur over the weekend.
The satellite replaces a sister satellite that was destroyed in a failed launch in October 1999. Express A1R is the third of the next-generation Express A series to reach orbit, after two successful launches in 2000. The craft’s 12 C-band and five Ku-band transponders are to be used for television and radio broadcasting services, mobile telephony, data transmission, video conferencing and high-speed Internet, according to reports. The 5,700-pound satellite will operate in orbit for at least 10 years, its footprints covering the European part of Russia, the CIS countries, the whole of Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Northern Africa.
Express A1R is designed to relay government radio and television programs to Russias central regions and CIS countries. The satellite was manufactured at the Siberian Prikladnaya Mekhanika (Applied Mechanics) scientific production association with the participation of Alcatel. Russian space troops and Rosaviakosmos, the Russian space agency, carried out the launch. The Russian Satellite Communications Company and the Intersputnik organization will both use parts of Express A1R’s capacity and capabilities, splitting the satellite’s services between the Russian government and the commercial market.
The satellite bus was developed by Russia’s Krasnoyarsk-based NPO PM, while Alcatel Espace of France supplied the payload.
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.
