News Broadcasting
Al Gore’s INdTV acquires Newsworld International
MUMBAI: He may not be running against Bush at the upcoming US presidential elections but former US vice president Al Gore has found a way to increase his media visibility.
Gore announced that his recently formed media company INdTV Holdings has acquired Newsworld International (NWI) from Vivendi Universal Entertainment. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
At the moment, NWI is a 24-hour global news channel ala BBC and CNN. With the acquisition, NWI will be developed into a channel that will target the ad-friendly 18-34 age group through diverse programmes. Notwithstanding the shift in focus, NWI’s programming will continue to be provided by The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Gore has gone on record clarifying that the channel will not be overtly political in nature.
With this purchase, Gore can start working on his plan to provide an alternative to the conservative media bias of Fox TV. This was something that Gore had been looking to do since last year following criticism of Fox’s coverage of the Iraq invasion by the US.
NWI currently reaches 17 million homes across the US through DirecTV’s Total Choice tier, Time Warner Cable’s widely distributed digital tier, as well as Comcast systems in key markets and other cable operators.
Gore will serve as chairman of the network’s board. He was quoted in a company release saying, “We are launching an exciting television network for young men and women
who want to know more about their world and who enjoy real-life stories created with, by and for their own generation.
“We want to empower this dynamic generation with a network dedicated to them that has integrity and a commitment to excellence. This will not be a political network. These stories will be in a voice that young people recognise and from a point of view they identify as their own.”
Among those on the company’s advisory board guiding the growth of INdTV is Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The company’s COO Mark Goldman was formerly with News Corp. He built a satellite venture in Latin America. Goldman was the president and COO of Sky Latin America Partners prior to teaming up with Gore’s venture.
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.
