News Broadcasting
Al Jazeera International brings Shahnaz Pakravan to host ‘Everywoman’
MUMBAI: Al Jazeera International, the 24-hour English-language news and current affairs channel has roped in the producer and presenter Shahnaz Pakravan, prominent figure in the Middle East and British media circles to host Everywoman.
Pakravan has been associated with the BBC and ITN, including Arab World Direct and Tomorrow’s World.
Shahnaz and her team will bring viewers around the world stories that have universal appeal with subjects as diverse and sensitive as religion, society, sex, education and arts, all from women’s perspectives.
Everywoman will be presented twice a week. This magazine format has a global agenda and promises an exciting mix of challenging and incisive journalism with stories coming from Al Jazeera International’s broadcast centres around the world (Doha, Kuala Lumpur, London and Washington D.C). The show will include material gathered from freelancers and independent companies all across the globe through a unique commissioning site: www.ajicommissioning.net, informs an official release.
Speaking on her appointment to Al Jazeera International Shahnaz Pakravan said: “I feel privileged to be joining Al Jazeera International at its inception and am both excited and daunted at the challenge facing me. Top marks to the Channel for bringing focus to women’s issues.”
“It’s the way we’ll approach things that will set ‘Everywoman’ apart. We’ll dig deeper to uncover those stories that face the most resistance hoping to give a voice to those who don’t have one,” adds Pakravan.
Director programming Paul Gibbs said: “Everywoman is an exciting addition to our programming line-up. I am delighted to have Shahnaz Pakravan on board as presenter. The show promises to offer something of interest for all viewers, men as well as women. Indeed men shouldn’t miss it.”
A former news presenter on BBC World, BBC News 24 and news anchor for Channel Four’s daily breakfast news and business programme Channel Four Daily as well as Dubai Television, Pakravan has also anchored and reported for the BBC’s flagship science and technology programme Tomorrow’s World, fronted the critically acclaimed Channel Four Health programme Health Alert and produced and presented Arab World Direct for BBC World. Her radio work has included hosting BBC Radio Four’s Woman’s Hour. Pakravan also took Arab World Direct all over the Arab world, including Saudi Arabia for a special 9-11 edition.
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.
