News Broadcasting
MTV has roped in Westlife as a star international act for the Immies
MUMBAI: MTV Immies are all set to heat up the music scene with some international sensations. Latest news is that the youth channel has roped in Westlife, Safari Duo, Outlandish, Rishi Rich and Panjabi MC for the international acts.
The first ever music awards from the Viacom’s Indian music arm, establish to coincide with 100 years of recording music.
One of the popular boy bands of the international music scene, Westlife have sold 18 million albums and seven million singles The five member team is set to woo MTV viewers at their first ever performance in India when they perform at the Indian Music Excellence Awards – MTV IMMIES presented by AirTel, on 12 December, 2003, says a company release.
Besides Westlife, the Immies boasts of international acts comprising percussion pop duo Safri Duo, the popular Danish group – Outlandish, Asian music sensation – Rishi Rich and international king of Bhangra – Panjabi MC.
While the channel has unveiled its international acts, the local acts are still kept under the wraps but the release hints that the Immies will bring together a galaxy of international and local acts sprinkled liberally with performances from Bollywood.
Presented by AirTel, the MTV Immies is exclusively supported by the Indian Music Industry (IMI) and is brought in association with LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd, Kinetic Zing and Maruti – for the brand Alto. The hospitality partner is J W Marriott while the radio partner is Radio Mirchi.
The stars of the evening Nicky, Shane, Bryan, Kian and Mark have sold over 250,000 units of their albums in India alone. The popular Irish boy band is creating waves across the globe with ‘Mandy’ and ‘Hey Whatever’ from their forthcoming album ‘Turnaround’.
The Safri Duo comprising Morten Friis and Uffe Savery are said to be poised to get the crowd in action with performance. The bongo banging duo has won a pile of awards and was the first ever Danish act to win an MTV Award. Next in the line is the ‘not regular hip-hop band’ Outlandish. With their recent release Aicha making rounds of the music channels, the dynamic trio is raring to deliver a superb performance for the first time in India, says the release.
While Rishi Rich, whose claim to fame is not just Asian fusion tracks, but pure hip-hop beats for the likes of Fallacy and Estelle is amongst the star line line up for the d-day. Currently, Rishi Rich is working on productions for Britney Spears, Ricky Martin and Mary J Blige.
Last in the line is the International king of Bhangra, Panjabi MC. Having established himself as a household name on the UK and international Bhangra scene, Panjabi MC has
gaining huge recognition and popularity with his hip hop and real ‘desi’ mix in India too.
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.
