News Broadcasting
BBC sells technology unit to Siemens
MUMBAI: The BBC has announced that, Siemens Business Services has been selected as the Single Preferred Bidder for a new Technology Framework Contract (TFC) for the Corporation. It will also own BBC Technology.
The contract is for 10 years and is worth up to ?2bn. The announcement followed a rigorous European Union (EU) procurement process and approval by the BBC’s Executive Board. The sale needs the approval of the BBC Governors, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport. It will also have to get clearance by the European Commission (EC) under the terms of the EC Merger Regulation.
The BBC further stated that it chose Siemens as it had demonstrated its ability and commitment to invest in technology services and innovation to meet the BBC’s future technology requirements, with significant projected annual cost savings. The deal is expected to be completed later this year once final contract negotiations are over.
Last year in November the BBC made the sell off decision after conducting a strategic review of its technology requirements for the next decade.
The review had identified potential annual savings for the BBC of between ?20-?30 million if its technology services were outsourced. 1,400 people will be transferred to Siemens.
BBC Technology was created three years ago to deliver significant savings to the BBC through its contract for technology services, including desktop support, and to generate third party revenues. BBC Technology has a turnover of ?230m.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
