News Broadcasting
Aditya Birla Group enters media, acquires 27.5 % stake in India Today Group
MUMBAI: Confirming a news report earlier put out by Indiantelevision.com, the $35 billion Aidtya Birla Group has acquired 27.5 per cent stake in Living Media India (India Today Group) through its private investment company.
The transaction is the second high financial investment by a big corporation in the booming Indian media and entertainment industry this year, the other being the Reliance-Network18 deal.
The financial services-to-telecom and retail conglomerate did not disclose the amount it would be paying for the stake purchase.
“The media sector is a sunrise sector from an investment point of view. I believe that Living Media India offers one of the best opportunities for growth and value creation,” said Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla.
The Birla Group will, thus, enter the media sector with a presence across print, publishing, television and radio.
Living Media owns and operates English weekly magazine India Today, business magazine Business Today, English news channel Headlines Today, Hindi news channel Aaj Tak and radio channel Oye FM, among others.
“I am delighted to partner with the Aditya Birla Group to aggressively address the current and future potential of the Indian media business which is at a tipping point. The Aditya Birla Group with its strong leadership, global footprint, diversified business interests and its shared values of integrity, commitment and social responsibility make it a perfect fit with the India Today Group,” said India Today Group chairman Aroon Purie.
Aroon Poorie, the promoter of India Today Group, holds 57.38 per cent stake in TV Today Network as per information on 5 March 2012.
Indiantelevision.com had on 9 April reported that Aditya Birla Group is likely to pick up 25 per cent stake in India Today Group.
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TV Today scrip up 15% on market buzz of Birla Group taking stake in promoter company
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.
