News Broadcasting
ADAE to create radio division named Adlabs Radio Pvt Ltd
MUMBAI: Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Enterprises (ADAE) has finally created a radio division for its FM radio foray and has sought government clearance for the same.
The radio division of Adlabs Films, which bagged FM radio licences in several cities of India and is one of the bigger players in the arena, will be called Adlabs Radio Pvt Ltd.
However, a brand name under which Adlabs Radio will run the FM radio services has not been decided yet.
According to sources in the information and broadcasting ministry, the proposal is “under routine examination”.
Adlabs Radio Pvt Ltd is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) created by ADAE for its radio business, while the corporate entity and the official licencee continues to be Adlabs Films Ltd.
The SPV has been created for a focussed approach on the radio business as Adlabs Films concentrates more on the business of running multiplexes and post-production film facilities.
Under the licencing agreement, licences are not transferable after being formally awarded to a company.
In the recently-concluded bidding process for FM licences, the government has allowed foreign investment up to 20 per cent in radio ventures, but such deals had to be concluded before the bids were opened in the first week of February.
Moreover, no change in shareholding pattern is allowed, under the guidelines, for the first five years of the 10-year licence period.
The Anil Ambani controlled Adlabs Films has won 57 frequencies across the country, but had to surrender 12 stations to adhere to another norm, which mandates no single company can own more than 15 per cent of the total number of frequencies put up for sale throughout the country.
Adlabs Films’ scrip opened on Wednesday at Rs 403 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and touched a high of Rs 409 and a low of Rs 395 during the trading day.
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.
