News Broadcasting
AOL launches video game site
MUMBAI: In a tactical move to strengthen its broadband subscriber base, American Online (AOL) on Wednesday unveiled a video game site for high-speed subscribers.
The launch is seen as a significant step taken by the company at a stage when its dial-up subscriber size is dangerously on a decline. Now, AOL targets people who are looking to get more out of their internet.
Currently AOL offers games from Electronic Arts Inc.’s Club Pogo. In addition to that, now AOL would add games and game demos from companies including TryMedia, GameHouse and Funkitron. They offer titles like Scrabble, Slingo, Mah Jong and Daily Jigsaw, among others.
Many of the games AOL plans to come up with are targeted at the women gamers. A research conducted by AOL earlier had found that women over 40 are the most frequent online gamers, more so than men or teenage boys, and some of the games were chosen with those demographics in mind.
The site will also feature game reviews, screenshots and other items from leading games web site GameSpot, as well as original video programming featuring game play hints, celebrity interviews and game reviews.
In one of the new video programs Face Off, AOL members will compete on PC and console games against a regular group of players.
AOL will showcase the new site next week during E3, the annual video game industry trade show in Los Angeles. More than 60,000 people are expected to attend the event in Los Angeles.
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.
