News Broadcasting
BBC shortlists three bidders for technology unit
MUMBAI: The BBC has announced that it has shortlisted three bidders for the final round in the procurement process for the technology services agreement and the sale of BBC Technology.
The sale is subject to the approval of the UK Secretary of State for culture, media and sport. The contract is worth up to £ two billion. The three companies that are competing are Accenture, CSC and Siemens.
The recently concluded round had eight companies in the fray. The final three were selected through a European Union procurement process which was conducted by the BBC’s evaluation team.
The move to procure a new technology contract followed an internal strategic review of the BBC’s technology requirements. An earlier review conducted had identified potential annual savings for the beeb to the tune of £20-£30 million if its technology services were outsourced.
As part of the BBC’s aim to revolutionise its use of technology to make and distribute programmes it is looking for a partner that will share its technology vision and make it happen over the course of the next decade.
Formed three years ago BBC Technology provides products and services for the BBC, other broadcasters, platform owners, content owners and government organisations. Its customers include BBC News, BSkyB, DirecTV and ESPN. BBC Technology has 1400 staff members and a turnover of £230 million.
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.
