News Broadcasting
AETN International and Tel-AD launch The Biography Channel in Israel
MUMBAI: AETN International, a division of A&E Television Networks, and Tel-Ad Broadcasting have teamed up to launch The Biography Channel in Israel. Called Arutz Biographia, the channel launched on the YES DBS platform on 1 November.
Arutz Biographia marks the second channel deal between AETN International and Tel-Ad Broadcasting, who previously joined forces in 2000 to launch The History Channel, known as Arutz Hahistoria, in Israel.
The Biography Channel takes viewers into the world of fascinating people, from Hollywood stars to world leaders, artists, athletes and infamous villains. The network features programs that delve behind the scenes of the public lives of celebrities, revealing their private lives and exploring the ambition that drives them.
In the works for Arutz Biographia are original productions, including biographies of key Israeli figures from various fields: entertainment, business, politics and more.
In addition to Israel, The Biography Channel can be seen in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Spain, Portugal and Australia, as well as in Italy as a branded block on The History Channel.
Tel-Ad Broadcasting has been a valuable partner to us in Israel, and we are very pleased to extend our relationship to include Artuz Biographia. We have a very talented group of executives who successfully built Arutz Hahistoria, and I have no doubt that Tel-AD will create another successful channel in the region, says AETN Enterprises senior VP Steve Ronson.
Ever since we launched The History Channel in 2000 weve been hoping to launch The Biography Channel. Theyre both exceptional brands that enjoy phenomenal support from the AETN International team. So we couldnt be more delighted that the YES (DBS) platform has put its confidence in The Biography Channel as a strategic new offering for its subscribers, adds Tel-Ad general manager, Rhonda Attar.
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.
