News Broadcasting
ABC cancels Gibson’s proposed show on the holocaust
MUMBAI: Looks like Oscar winning actor Mel Gibson’s tirade against the Jews after being arrested for drunk driving is starting to cost him big time.
US broadcaster ABC has announced that it has pulled out of the deal with the star for a show on the holocaust.
ABC though says that the project has been in the pipeline for the past couple of years and they have not yet seen a script. Gibson was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving last week. He launched into a tirade against Jews, asking the arresting officer if he was a Jew and blaming the Jews for starting all wars.
The actor is a strong conservative Catholic. His father, media reports indicate, is a Holocaust denier. At the time of the release of Passion Of the Christ Gibson’s father said that reports on the Holocaust were exaggerated. The next day after his arrest Gibson apologised for his remarks and has entered a rehabilitation programme to treat alcoholism.
On the film front though Disney will go ahead with its plans to release Mel Gibson’s film Apocalypto on 8 December 2006. Hollywood has a strong Jewish presence. That includes Sony Pictures chairwoman Amy Pascal and Laura Ziskin.
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.
