News Broadcasting
ARY News asked to pay INR 1.58 cr to Geo TV as compensation
MUMBAI: A legal rift raging between two big media groups in Pakistan — ARY News and Geo TV — settled recently in a British Court. ARY News lost the legal battle and will have to pay approximately INR 1.58 crore compensation to Geo.
Pakistani newspapers reported that ARY News had been asked by the court to pay the amount to Geo TV chairman Mir Shakeelur Rehman. As per the media reports, the case was filed by Rehman in London’s High Court of Justice against ARY News for defaming and threatening him.
The court, after reviewing the legal aspects of the case, gave its verdict and ordered the chairman of ARY News to pay the fine for defaming Rehman. The court, however, rejected the charges of heartening the applicant.
The court mentioned in its decision that, even after giving time to ARY News, it neither withdrew the charges levelled against Geo TV chairman nor sought pardon. The case was heard by Justice Sir David Eddy of the Queen’s Bench of High Court of Justice from 1 November to 7 November. On 2 December, the court released its comprehensive verdict.
Rehman filed the case on the basis of ARY’s programme ‘Khara Sach’, in which anchorperson Mubasher Luqman had levelled serious allegations against him (Rehman) damaging the credibility of Geo media group’s chairman. He said in his petition that a series of 24 episodes of the said programme was telecast in the UK and other countries.
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.
