News Broadcasting
BBC Worldwide channel’s director Wayne Dunsford calls it quits
MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide channel’s director Wayne Dunsford has announced that he will step down from his post at the end of this month.
Dunsford moved to his current role in 1998 from European Channel Management Limited where he was GM. His sales and distribution lead at ECM had seen the rapid growth in distribution of BBC World to more than 35 million homes and the doubling of BBC Prime’s subscription base. As director, he had led business development, sales, marketing, programming and all operational aspects of BBC Worldwide’s channels business.
He has seen BBC Prime, subtitled in 12 languages, launch beyond its traditional European base into Africa, the Middle East and Asia (including Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Japan and Korea), with over 24 million global subscribers. Under his leadership, in 2001 BBC Prime was the first of BBC Worldwide’s channels to deliver a profit.
He also oversaw the launch in 2002 of the profitable BBC Food in Africa, subsequently launched in Scandinavia and across the Middle East. he secured more than a 70% increase in total channel sales and contribution in his area in the past five years alone.
He said, “I have had an inspiring and exciting 17 years with BBC Worldwide. I have been fully involved in the development of BBC Prime and BBC Food and have worked on other channel assets and JVs witnessing the businesses’ rapid and impressive growth first hand. I have also had the pleasure of working with an exceptional team throughout.
“BBC Worldwide’s new channel business is now well placed to build on what has been achieved. I now want to explore other opportunities and to use my skills and experience more widely in the global market.”
BBC Worldwide MD global channels Darren Childs said, “Wayne has made an enormous contribution to BBC Worldwide’s channel business over many years. He has been an excellent ambassador for us, forging close relationships with our customers around the world. We thank Wayne for his passion and commitment and wish him every success for the future.”
News Broadcasting
TV9 to host What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 in Delhi
PM Narendra Modi to keynote two day forum on India and the world
NEW DELHI: TV9 Network is gearing up to host the fourth edition of its flagship What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 on March 23 and 24 in the national capital, bringing together a wide spectrum of voices to debate India’s place in a shifting global order.
The summit will open with a keynote address by Narendra Modi, setting the tone for this year’s theme, “India and the world”, as the country positions itself at the crossroads of economic growth, geopolitical shifts and technological change.
From cabinet ministers to chief ministers, business leaders to cultural figures, the event promises a crowded stage and a lively exchange of ideas. Union ministers such as Piyush Goyal and Jyotiraditya Scindia are expected to attend, alongside state leaders including Mohan Yadav, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Nayab Singh Saini and Bhagwant Mann.
Political voices from across the aisle, including Smriti Irani, Akhilesh Yadav and Asaduddin Owaisi, will also join the conversation, ensuring that the debates are as diverse as they are dynamic.
Adding a cultural and sporting touch, personalities such as yoga guru Swami Ramdev, poet Kumar Vishwas and cricketing names like Sourav Ganguly, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh are set to share the stage. Global business leaders and diplomats will further widen the lens, reflecting the summit’s international outlook.
Speaking ahead of the event, TV9 Network managing director and chief executive officer Barun Das, said India stands at a unique moment in history, combining demographic strength, technological capability and entrepreneurial energy. He noted that in uncertain times, honest conversations and bold ideas will shape the country’s trajectory.
The summit will explore themes ranging from economic growth and governance to innovation, sustainability and culture, positioning itself as a platform for dialogue at a time when the world is in flux.
With a packed agenda and a high-profile guest list, What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 aims to do more than just talk. It seeks to capture a moment where India is not only part of the global conversation, but increasingly helping lead it.
