News Broadcasting
AIR News SMS service now available in 14 languages including English
NEW DELHI: Noting that mobile phones acted as a tool of empowerment to all sections of society, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar has suggested that All India Radio could consider a customised news and related information to varied sections of the society.
Javadekar said the government has initiated innovative approaches in reaching out to the people through multiple media platforms.
The endeavour was to address the communication needs, to enter into a dialogue with different cross-sections of the society and address the aspirations of young people.
The Minister stated this while launching the free News SMS service of All India Radio News Services Division in four Indian languages – Assamese, Gujarati, Tamil and Malayalam – thus bringing the total number of languages covered by this service to 14.
Javadekar said the SMS services of AIR intended to provide instant communication to public in a language and form understood by them. The service reiterated the richness and reach of each of the languages introduced by AIR.
AIR had launched SMS service in English on 9 September last year and in five other languages on 19 September this year – Hindi, Marathi, Dogri, Sanskrit and Nepali – to provide AIR News on mobile sets to its subscribers free of cost. The service has already touched the database of over three lakh subscribers.
This newly launched service can be availed by registering on the website of All India Radio viz. http://newsonair.nic.in/smsservice . SMS can also be sent for registration in following format to 7738299899:
AIR<space>NAME<dash>AGE<dash>GENDERCODE<dash>LANGUAGECODE
Different codes for the SMS are as follows:
GENDER CODES: M for Male and F for Female
LANGUAGE CODES: A for Assamese, G for Gujarati, ML for Malayalam, T for Tamil, H for Hindi, M for Marathi, D for Dogri, S for Sanskrit, N for Nepali.
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.
