News Broadcasting
All India Radio scores among ABU Prizes 2006 finalists
MUMBAI: The finalists of the ABU Prizes 2006 programme categories have been selected. Out of a total of 211 entries for its radio and TV categories, All India Radio has made it into two final spots in the Children and Youth sub category for Made for Each Other and in the Documentary sub category for I Take the Responsibility.
However, India did not feature among the TV finalists for the ABU Prizes this year. The TV categories include drama, entertainment, children, youth, news, documentary, and sports.
There is also a Special Jury Prize which is awarded to programmes targeting broadcasters from less developed countries which showed creativity despite the limited resources available. While the categories for radio are drama, infotainment, children and youth, news, documentary, external broadcasts and the Special Jury Prize.
The pre-selection of the awards were held last week and among the other finalists, NHK-Japan, RTPRC-China, IRIB-Iran and RTHK-Hong Kong lead the nominations with five each. NAB-Japan has four programmes on the shortlist, while Korean broadcasters KBS and EBS have three finalists each, informs an official release.
The shortlisted candidates for TV drama are Bride from Hanoi (SBS-Korea), McLeod’s Daughters (Nine Network-Australia), The Dance of Passion (TVB-Hong Kong), and The Ice Wall (NHK).
For radio drama, the finalists include At the Very Beginning (RTHK), Haru’s Dairy (NHK), Weekend 2006 (ARD/BR-Germany) and Iran Through the Passing of Time (IRIB).
The ABU Programme department head, Tatsuya Nakamura, said, “Each year, the jury members observed an improvement in the quality of the programmes submitted, which made it more difficult to select the finalists for each prize.
“For instance, we had very good TV documentaries. It was hard for the juries to select only four finalists. There were plenty of heated discussions among jury members as the shortlists were being drawn up.”
The total entries this year has set an all-time record for the awards since it was introduced in 1964. The winner in each category will be announced at the 43rd ABU General Assembly which will be held in Beijing from 7 to 9 November, adds the release.
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.
