News Broadcasting
BBC to present 600 hrs of programming at Mipcom
LONDON: BBC Worldwide will present over 600 hours of new programming, from across the full range of BBC output, at the Mipcom TV programme market in Cannes. The event will take place from 10 to 14 October.
The lineup includes top quality drama, entertainment, natural history, science, music, history and children’s programming.
Byron leads the drama lineup — it stars Jonny Lee Millar and is the story of the ultimate rebel, Lord Byron, who became famous overnight. He is known to have revolutionised English poetry and scandalised London society. Byron is a BBC and A&E co-production.
In the show Pride , a live-action family drama, set against the backdrop of East Africa — real animals will be the stars. In this drama, a combination of natural history footage, cutting-edge animation, high profile voice cast and a script by Simon Nye, allow the animals to tell their own story.
Actors such as Oscar nominee Kate Winslet of Titanic and Iris, Helen Mirren of Gosford Park have have lent their voices to this project. Pride is produced by John Downer and is a BBC and A&E co-production in association with ProSieben.
The epic BBC Natural History series Wild Australasia will journey through time and space to explore Australasia’s natural wonders. From tropical jungles and vast shallow coral reefs to burning deserts and snowy mountains, wild Australasia will reveal its hidden secrets and explains why its wildlife and wilderness are so special. Produced by Neil Nightingale this is a BBC/Animal Planet/ABC Australia co-production.
In addition, BBC Science will present Body Snatchers.. The series will explore the revolting but fascinating world of human parasites — the inhabitants of our bodies who are the most successful predators on the planet. Through imagery, specialist footage, shocking facts and personal stories of parasite victims, the show uncovers the disgusting realities of these body snatchers. Body Snatchers is a BBC/TLC co-production and is produced by Helen Thomas, Alice Harper and Martin Belderson.
BBC History will present another show D-Day. The BBC has announced that it is planning a season of programming to mark the anniversary of World War II, which includes D-Day . This is the story of the largest military invasion and defence the world has ever seen.
Produced by Richard Dale of The Human Body and Walking with Cavemen, D-Day redefines the genre of drama documentary in factual storytelling.
New children’s programming from BBC Worldwide includes Carrie’s War. Carrie Willow and her younger brother are evacuated to Wales during WWII in this heart-warming, coming of age drama. Carrie’s War stars Pauline Quirke and Alun Armstrong and is produced by Bill Boyes.
Tackling the theme of religion will be the show Bible Mysteries. The programmes, use drama reenactments and CGI graphics, to explore great figures and events from biblical times. Did Joseph actually have a coat of many colours? Was Mary Magdalene really a prostitute? This series answers these questions. Bible Mysteries is a BBC/Discovery Channel co-production.
News Broadcasting
DNPA names Puneet Gupt chairperson; Anant Goenka steps in as vice chairperson
Leadership reset comes as digital news grapples with AI-led disruption and policy battles
NEW DELHI: India’s digital news lobby has a new pilot at the helm just as the industry stares down its next big disruption. The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) has named Puneet Gupt, chief operating officer at Times Internet, as chairperson, succeeding Mariam Mammen Mathew at the end of her two-year term.
Gupt, who previously served as vice chairperson, steps into the top role with deep familiarity of the body’s agenda, ensuring a smooth transition at a time when publishers are recalibrating for an AI-shaped future. Anant Goenka, executive director at The Indian Express Group, has been appointed vice chairperson, while Dhruba Mukherjee continues as treasurer.
“Digital news publishers are navigating one of the most consequential shifts the industry has ever seen, from how content is discovered to how it is valued in an AI-driven world. DNPA’s role as a unified industry voice has never mattered more. My focus will be on ensuring that our members are not just responding to these changes, but actively contributing to the policy and industry frameworks around them,” said Puneet Gupt.
Goenka underscored the need for collective action as the sector evolves. “This is an important moment for DNPA and for the digital news publishing industry in India. There is real value in publishers coming together, sharing perspectives, and building a common understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead. I look forward to contributing to that effort with DNPA members,” he said.
Outgoing chairperson Mariam Mammen Mathew called it a timely transition. “It has been a privilege to lead DNPA at such a pivotal time for the industry. I am confident that under Puneet’s leadership, DNPA will continue to grow in influence and impact. I wish the new team every success,” she said.
Sujata Gupta, secretary general and chief executive officer at DNPA, framed the shift as a springboard for the next phase. “This transition marks an exciting new chapter for DNPA. We have spent the last few years building the credibility, relationships, and frameworks that allow us to engage meaningfully on the issues that matter most to our members. With Puneet and Anant at the helm, we are well-positioned to translate that foundation into tangible outcomes, on policy, on fair commercial frameworks, and on ensuring that digital news publishing remains a sustainable and vital part of India’s information ecosystem,” she said.
The leadership rejig lands at a moment when digital publishers are battling shifting discovery patterns, platform power and the economics of AI. For DNPA, the message is clear: the next phase will be less about reacting and more about shaping the rules of the game.
