News Broadcasting
Bangladesh Cricket Board looking to hammer out a TV deal
MUMBAI: With only two months remaining before the first home series under the new Future Tour Programme (FTP) gets underway, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to start the process in terms of signing a television deal.
In November, Bangladesh will host the new international calendar at home with a five-match one-day series against Zimbabwe. It is a situation that leaves BCB with very little time to settle the TV rights.
ESPN Star Sports (ESS) had the rights for five years which expired earlier this year. A committee was appointed by the BCB to conclude what was expected to be little more than the formalities of a new contract.
But a report in Daily Star had stated that the committee did not do much. As a result the BCB has been forced to form a new body to move forward.
BCB general secretary Mahbubul Anam has been quoted in reports explaining that the previous committee was not formalised. Therefore a new one was formed. The aim now is to conduct an open tender process.
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.
