News Broadcasting
ABC, Tivo win interactive Emmys
MUMBAI: Tivo, which creates television services for digital video recorders (DVRs) in the US and US broadcaster ABC’s online streaming video player have won interactive Emmies.
They will take home trophies at the Creative Arts Awards on 19 August.
TiVo won for achievement for enhanced or interactive programming – television. Tivo president and CEO Tom Rogers says, “Tivo is proud to receive an Emmy Award and recognition from the Academy and its peers for the innovative services that it provides in enhancing the viewing of television by bringing it to a whole new level.”
Tivo CTO and co-founder Jim Barton says, “We are committed to transforming television viewing by being the leaders in translating the latest technological developments into an easy and simple viewer experience. From our TiVoCast service to TiVo KidZone our mission is to provide subscribers the best way to watch television.”
ABC.com’s streaming video player won for achievement for enhanced or interactive programming: new delivery platforms. The Academy said, “Conventional wisdom dictated that it was not possible to provide high bit-rate streaming video, over the Internet, to large numbers of people simultaneously, while maintaining consistent quality and doing so in a cost-effective manner. ABC.com’s full episode streaming player dispenses with those previously held beliefs as it leverages emerging technologies and digital platforms to enhance and extend the ABC television network’s relationship with consumers.”
This year’s Interactive Television Emmy Awards recognise original interactive television programming content, applications and services that have been deployed in the United States between 1 June, 2005 and 31 May 2006 and that have demonstrated creative excellence. Other finalists in this category include AOL Music on Demand, CNN Enhanced and DirecTV Interactive Sports.
Governor of the Television Academy’s Interactive Media Peer Group Brian Seth Hurst says, “Tivo was the very first offering in the DVR space and it is great that they are still leading the way. The Tivo service is certainly impressive in both its offering and user experience and meets the standard of excellence. It’s easy to see why the voters deemed it worthy of the Emmy.”
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.
