News Broadcasting
Accenture, Avanade and Microsoft to build integrated broadcast system for MediaCorp
MUMBAI: Accenture, Avanade and Microsoft Corp. have been selected to design and build an integrated broadcast system to support MediaCorp Pte Ltd., Singapore’s largest broadcaster and a leading media company in Asia.
Accenture, which is leading the project, is teaming up with Avanade to design and deploy a scalable and open-standard-based solution featuring the Microsoft Connected Services Framework, a software solution that enables broadcast companies and film studios to create, deploy, integrate and manage services.
The work at MediaCorp will streamline many of the company’s core business processes, including program planning, scheduling, airtime sales and finance processes, into one integrated system, which will support all of MediaCorp’s television businesses. The system will support nine channels and be used by more than 1,200 employees.
The new system will include a unified grid for programs, ads and automated workflow. Once the system is in place, MediaCorp users within different groups and departments will be able to share information, work together more effectively and react more quickly to the changing needs of the business, giving the company a competitive advantage in how it does business.
“As one of the region’s most established broadcasters, we need to be prepared to take advantage of new opportunities. By working with Accenture, Avanade and Microsoft and our internal IT teams, we are building a solution that will leverage our capabilities to support the current and future needs of our television businesses,” said MediaCorp deputy group CEO Group Services Henry Lim.;
“We have been working with MediaCorp to develop a solution that effectively migrates its core business processes onto one unified platform. We evaluated multiple options to implement the system and development platforms. Based on that assessment we designed an application blueprint founded on Microsoft .NET. The platform will be highly scalable, giving MediaCorp the flexibility and control to integrate other, future processes such as digital asset management, editing services and new content delivery channels,” said Accenture partner in the media and entertainment practice Robert Chew.
“We chose a service-oriented architecture to manage MediaCorp’s investment in technology. The media industry is transforming. Digitization is rapidly changing the business dynamics of yesterday’s television. A strong and scalable information system becomes a requirement for MediaCorp to embrace digital media and benefit from its growth in the future,” said MediaCorp chief information officer Jack Chiam.
To deliver the integrated broadcast system, Accenture will team up with Avanade, combining its business and industry acumen with Avanade’s technical expertise in Microsoft technologies. Accenture and Avanade will build the system using Microsoft .NET and the Microsoft Connected Services Framework.
“MediaCorp’s business lies in the successful management, distribution and consumption of content. As the world’s first terrestrial broadcaster to adopt the Connected Services Framework, MediaCorp is helping to demonstrate Microsoft’s knowledge of the key business drivers in the broadcast industry and, more important, how to translate that knowledge into solutions that enable broadcasters to work efficiently, increase revenues, and expand and retain audiences,” said Microsoft corporate vice president communications sector Maria Martinez.
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.
