News Broadcasting
New Zealand tour of Pakistan on albeit slight delay
WELLINGTON: Here is some good news for Pakistan cricket fans. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has set aside security threats regarding their upcoming tour of Pakistan.
The Black Caps will go ahead. The only change in schedule so far is that the tour commences on 29 November and not from tomorrow as was originally scheduled.
In India cricket enthusiasts can catch live action on Ten Sports. New Zealand is following in the footsteps of South Africa. Earlier the South Africans had decided not to tour Pakistan but then had a change of heart. They managed to come back in the one day series and beat the hosts 3-2.
However New Zealand’s revised schedule will mean that the dates of Pakistan’s return tour of the kiwis will get affected. This will air on ESPN Star Sports. The tour was originally scheduled to start on 8 December.
Reports also indicate that The Black Caps will get royal treatment security wise. The armed security that will be provided is normally reserved for heads of state. The decision to go ahead was decided after NZC chief executive Martin Snedden was satisfied that the recent email threat to their safety did not warrant cancellation.
It may be recalled that New Zealand’s last tour to Pakistan in May last year was shortened after a bomb exploded outside its Karachi hotel. This resulted in the death of 14 people. NZC has still left options open for individual players to pull out if their personal fears are too much.
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.
