News Broadcasting
I&B shoots off another set of queries on Star News
NEW DELHI: The information and broadcasting ministry has sent off another set of queries to Media Content & Communication Services India Pvt. Ltd (MCCS), which has sought government okay for uplinking news content for Star News.
The present set of questions sent today, according to government officials, revolve around knowing what the three web companies that have been mentioned in Star News’ reply to the government yesterday do. The three companies include Touch Telecontent, Hughes Electronics and Rentworks Ltd.
According to a government official, MCCS has been asked to explain the investments that have been made by each shareholder in the company in the context of the narrow equity base that MCCS has.
The government has also asked MCCS to explain the ways in which the operational expenses of some of the companies mentioned in the reply (like Touch Telecontent) are met.
A government official said that the government is not clear whether the largest shareholder of MCCS (in this case ad man Suhel Seth) is the owner of the company or not. “So we have asked them to explain who is the owner of MCCS that is actually responsible for carrying out vital functions of Star News,” a senior government official said.
The government has also questioned a submission by MCCS that in the last three months Star News has mopped up revenue of around Rs 220 million. MCCS has been asked to explain the way this has been done, the government official said.
The Press Trust of India, quoted Star officials as saying, “the government sought some more clarifications today when Kaushal (company official Kaushal Dalal) met I&B officials but he didn’t have all the answers so we will submit our replies by Friday.”
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.
