News Broadcasting
AOL, Warner Bros, NBC team for ‘Friends’ promo
MUMBAI: To celebrate the final season of Friends , America Online, Warner Bros. Television and NBC have teamed up to offer fans an opportunity to choose six Friends episodes to air during NBC’s block Must See TV. The event kicks off in March in the US.
In India, Friends airs on Star World and Zee English. Broadband members can go to AOL Television to watch footage from 40 of the show’s best episodes. These were chosen by the shows producers Kevin Bright, Marta Kauffman and David Crane. Fans can then cast votes for their favourite six episodes via AOL Keyword: Friends or at www.aim.com until 1 February, says a company release.
From 4 March 2004, NBC will air one of the top six vote-getters, each Thursday, counting down to the most popular episode, which will air on 8 April.
AOL Television vice president and general manager Patricia Karpas was quoted in an official release saying, “Through this unprecedented programme, we are able to leverage the reach of AOL and AOL Instant Messenger. We are allowing Friends fans to determine, which of the most popular episodes will air on NBC this March.
AOL Television claims to be the most comprehensive online resource for television fans who want to be informed, engaged and entertained about the hottest shows on television. Its newest feature TV’s Top 5 lets television viewers watch, rate and talk about the top TV moments from the previous day.
The release adds that other AOL Television offerings include extensive, personalised listings with an option to record programmes directly to TiVo. It also offers sneak peeks and exclusive video from today’s most popular shows.
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.
