News Broadcasting
MGM to extend TV reach in Asia through CNBC
SINGAPORE: MGM is pushing forward in its attempt to penetrate the Asian market through MGM branded film channels. The film and television studio has announced a venture with CNBC Asia Pacific to launch a movie channel under the MGM brand name on satellite and cable TV systems in Asian markets.
An official release informs that the broadcasters will launch the channel later this year. The English channel will have Mandarin subtitles. MGM and CNBC Asia Pacific are currently exploring several distribution opportunities in the region.
The alliance will target markets where an MGM channel is not now seen, including China and Southeast Asia. In India, MGM has a joint venture with Zee and is aired as a movie channel Zee MGM.
Both MGM and CNBC have complementary assets in which they both have core competencies, says an official release. It further underscores the success MGM and CNBC’s sister company, NBC, have enjoyed working together overseas. For instance one alliance, in which MGM distributes NBC’s prime time TV shows internationally, marries MGM’s expertise in selling films and TV shows overseas with NBC’s top-rated line-up of prime time programmes such as Will & Grace. In India this airs on Zee MGM’s sister channel Zee English.
The MGM Channel in Asia plans to present round-the-clock offerings from MGM’s celebrated 4,000-title library, including West Side Story, Midnight Cowboy, The Birdcage, The Manchurian Candidate.
The release states that with the launch of this MGM Channel in alliance with CNBC Asia Pacific, MGM Networks will have in deployment an array of satellite footprints across the globe that will allow technical receipt of MGM Networks channels in all significant international cable and satellite markets, including those within Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region.
A Reuters report indicates that MGM views the cable TV expansion mainly as a long term strategy. CNBC Asia Pacific’s channels are available in more than 25 million homes across the Asia Pacific region.
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.
