News Broadcasting
BTVi hires Times’s Shetty & CNN IBN’s Pisharody, strengthens rev & strategy team
MUMBAI: BTVi – Business Television India has appointed Shilpa Shetty and Seema Pisharody to jointly work towards revenue generation for the channel. They will be closely working with the COO Megha Tata (Monica Tata) to drive the business news channel to strengthen the next level growth in India.
BTVi is reinforcing senior experienced people in the team to build a quality think tank with a focus on the revenue model of the channel. Anuj Katiyar, who has recently joined the team as the marketing & research head, has played an integral role in channel’s development in the past two months.
Shetty will be actively involved in the strategic planning for generating revenue for the channel. Shetty was last associated with the Times Network as the vice-president – revenue and was the national sales head for the Times Network cluster of channels for several verticals. Shetty was also associated with the Network18 group for 10 years.
On joining BTVi, Shetty said, “I felt it is an interesting opportunity that has come my way to lead BTVi and create a path towards success.”
Pisharody, in her role will be investing her expertise in crafting strategic approach for business development for the channel. Pisharody has over 15 years of experience in the media &entertainment industry with brands like Turner and Hindustan Times. Her last assignment was with CNN IBN, as the head of Branded Content for South region.
On the new role, Pisharody said, “BTVi is poised to be a game changer in the dynamic Business News segment. And I am excited to be part of this winning team.”
Welcoming them to the team, Tata said, “We believe that their expertise in the domain will be a valuable asset to the channel.”
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.
