MAM
BBC World, BBC Worldwide merge airtime and distn sales team
MUMBAI: BBC World CEO Richard Sambrook and BBC Worldwide Global Channels managing director Darren Childs have announced their plans to merge airtime and distribution sales teams from 2 April. The move will present a single sales face to market for all the BBC’s international channels.
While BBC World Ltd will remain responsible for the strategic direction and management of BBC World, the sales teams will come under the remit of Global Channels and the latter will represent BBC World’s commercial interests.
Both BBC World and Global Channels believe that a united sales operation will be of mutual benefit to both businesses.
Sambrook said, “BBC World is having its most successful year to date. It’s the BBC’s biggest channel, watched by more people each week than any other BBC channel. We are in good shape to take BBC World to the next level. BBC Global Channels has ambitious development plans, and in that respect, it makes sense for an integrated sales approach in the market.”
Commenting on the development Darren Childs said, “The change in how we have organised the client-facing divisions within the international channels business will allow us to better serve distribution and advertising clients worldwide. Being able to represent a large portfolio of both BBC branded channels and non-linear platforms allows us to better represent the BBC brand overseas, provide a consistent approach to customers and broaden the offer and range of BBC branded products and services we can offer to the market.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
