News Broadcasting
MIB to relook Journalists Welfare Scheme
Mumbai: The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has constituted a ten-member committee headed by renowned journalist and member of Prasar Bharati Ashok Kumar Tandon to take a look at the existing guidelines of the Journalists Welfare Scheme (JWS) and make appropriate recommendations for changes therein.
This decision is considered significant in the light of the many changes that have taken place in the media eco-space including the loss of a large number of journalists due to COVID-19 and the broad basing of the definition of the “working journalists”.
The JWS which has been in existence for many years needs a relook from a futuristic perspective and broad basing the coverage for the benefit of the journalists of this country. With the enactment of the Occupational, Safety, Health and Working Condition Code 2020, the definition of the working journalists has been broadened to include within its fold those working in both traditional and digital media. Further, it was also considered necessary to look at the possible parity between accredited and non-accredited journalists from the perspective of welfare and availing of benefits under the scheme.
The MIB has in recent times taken proactive steps for grant of ex-gratia payment to the families of journalists who unfortunately died due to COVID-19 and such assistance has been given in over 100 cases at Rs five lakh each.
The committee is expected to give its report in a time-bound manner within two months. Its recommendations would enable the government to frame guidelines afresh for the benefit of the journalists. The committee headed by Ashok Kumar Tandon includes Sachidanand Murthy (resident editor – The Week), Shekhar Aiyar (freelance journalist), Amitabh Sinha (News 18), Sishir Kumar Sinha (Business Line), Ravinder Kumar (special correspondent – Zee News), Hitesh Shankar (editor – Panchjanya), Smriti Kak Ramachandran (Hindustan Times), Amit Kumar (Times Now), Vasudha Venugopal (Economic Times) and Kanchan Prasad (Addl DG, Press Information Bureau).
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.
