News Broadcasting
Hollywood with Sarah Idan
WION is introducing an entertainment television series that will be hosted by Miss Iraq 2017, Sarah Idan, from the city of Los Angeles. Starting February 2, 2018, ‘Hollywood with Sarah Idan’ promises to bring viewers upto speed with all the happenings in Hollywood. The television series will feature the biggest film releases, celebrity news, interviews with Hollywood bigwigs, the latest music albums, highlights from Award shows as well as the red carpet. In a nutshell, the show will bring to you everything that you need and want to know about Hollywood.
Sarah Idan became the first Miss Iraq to participate in a Miss Universe contest after a gap of 45 years. The 27-year-old is the second Iraqi woman in history to represent her country at an international pageant, a fact that brought her a lot of public and media attention worldwide. She grew up in Baghdad and started working for the United States Army as a linguist when she was only 18 years old – this ultimately granted her the opportunity to travel the US and earn her degree in Music in Los Angeles. She’s a recognised musician in the Middle East and known for her Music in an Egyptian film.
Sarah’s fearless personality and penchant for speaking her mind have made her quite popular among those who aim to break cultural limitations and bring about a positive change in the society. She received death threats for taking a selfie with her Israeli counterpart, Adar Gandelsman. The controversy first arose on Nov 13, 2017 when she posted a selfie with Miss Israel with the caption ‘Peace and Love from Miss Iraq and Miss Israel’. It backfired in ways that she could not have imagined. Having a dual citizenship in the United States helped her escape prosecution in Iraq.
Now based in LA, she will be hosting ‘Hollywood with Sarah Idan’ exclusively on WION. She is excited to team up with the international news channel for this television series as it combines her passion for Movies, Music, Arts and Public Communications.
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.
