News Broadcasting
Comcast, Microsoft in licensing agreement for Microsoft TV software
MUMBAI: Comcast Cable and Microsoft Corp. today announced an agreement that extends their existing relationship and gives Comcast the ability to make Microsoft TV Foundation Edition 1.7 software available to up to five million customers, with the option to expand the rollout at a later date.
Taking Microsoft TV Foundation to the next level reinforces Comcast and Microsoft’s commitment to driving industry innovation and working together to bring advanced digital television services to consumers.
“We’re very impressed with the Microsoft software platform and its ability to enhance and promote video on demand, as well as its capability to launch other interactive services,” Comcast Cable president Steve Burke was quoted in an official release. “We’re excited about working closely with Microsoft to jointly define the digital TV experiences of the future and to continue bringing innovative services to our cable customers.”
As consumers demand more-advanced digital TV services, including digital video recorders (DVRs), video on demand (VOD) and high-definition television (HDTV), cable companies are looking for software platforms such as Microsoft TV Foundation Edition that continue to provide significant competitive advantages in the marketplace.
Foundation Edition is designed to work across a range of set-top boxes, from the tens of millions of set-tops that multiple service operators (MSOs) have in place today to the ongoing deployment of advanced set-tops that enable new services, including dual-tuner DVR, VOD, HDTV, games and more. The software, among the first to support the dual-tuner DVR and HDTV capabilities in Motorola’s new DCT 6412 set-top, also helps viewers more easily use these services with an innovative, built-in interactive programming guide (IPG).
“Comcast continues to lead the industry in innovation and in the delivery of exciting services that bring new value to its subscribers,” said Microsoft TV Division corporate vice president Moshe Lichtman.
“Comcast’s significant commitment to Microsoft TV Foundation is a very powerful stamp of approval. It is another sign that the industry wants cost-effective, scalable software platforms like Microsoft TV to deliver the services consumers want today as well as the future services that have yet to be invented,” Lichtman added.
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.
