News Broadcasting
DD FreeDish MPEG4 57th e-auctions: 12 slots sold at average price of 1.27cr
Mumbai: The results of the fourth annual/57th e-auction of MPEG-4 slots of DD FreeDish for the period from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 are out with a comparatively more number of channels.
Starting at a reserve price of Rs 50 Lakhs, 12 slots were sold at an average slot price of Rs 1.27cr. The highest bid price was Rs 1. 6cr. Total 11 slots were sold in the third annual auction.
Indicative of the increasing popularity of DD FreeDish, apart from more channels, the highest bidding price and the average revenue per slot for this auction have also gone up in comparison to last year. Registering a rise of 42.7 per cent, the average bid/revenue per slot has gone up from 0.89cr last year to 1.27cr this year. The highest bid price has gone up by 42.85 per cent from 1.12cr to 1.6cr.
Among the applications received for e-auction from channels of different genres, 12 channels have been allocated the MPEG-4 slots on DD FreeDish. These include Aastha Bhajan, Bflix Movies, Chardikala Time TV, India News UP/UK, News 18 UP/UK, News 24 Think First, News India 24X7, News State UP/UK, Raftar, Samay, Sudarshan News, and Swadesh News.
The channels will be on air on DD FreeDish from 1 April 2022, post the completion of formalities.
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.
