News Broadcasting
‘Angels in America’, ‘Sopranos’ dominate Emmys
MUMBAI: It was a great night for HBO at the 56th edition of the Primetime Emmy Awards. Its gangster drama The Sopranos became the first cable show to win the Emmy for best drama series.
Meanwhile the landmark television miniseries Angels in America received 11 awards. This is the most ever won by a miniseries.
Al Pacino won the best actor award for ‘Angels In America’
For the broadcast networks Fox comedy – Arrested Developed surprisingly won in the comedy series category. Angels In America’s ‘A’ list cast of Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Mary-Louise Parker and Jeffrey Wright received awards. In addition, the writer Tony Kushner also bagged a trophy along with the director Mike Nichols.
At the ceremony Nichols said, “As you know the fight against Aids isn’t over yet. We must do what we can for Africa.”
Michael Imperioli and Drea de Matteo, who played a hard-luck mob couple in The Sopranos, whose relationship ended in betrayal were crowned supporting actor and actress at the Emmys.
Meanwhile NBC’s The West Wing won an award for Allison Janney. James Spader who stars in ABC’s The Practice also walked away with honours.
The satirical news show The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, won an award for best variety series for the second year in a row. His writing staff also won an Emmy. In India, the show airs on CNN on Sundays.
Sarah Jessica Parker won best actress in comedy series for ‘Sex and the City’
In the comedy section, the four major comedy acting awards went for work in series that concluded their successful runs earlier this year in the US. Kelsey Grammer won his fourth Emmy for best actor in a comedy for Frasier and Sarah Jessica Parker won best actress in comedy series for Sex and the City. In India, the second season of Sex And the City is airing on HBO, whereas Frasier airs on Star World.
In the reality category, CBS’ The Amazing Race won best reality series for the second year in a row. In India, the show airs on AXN.
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.
