News Broadcasting
Buena Vista to distribute Jet Li’s first Chinese film on TV
MUMBAI: Buena Vista International Television-Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP) has received the television distribution rights to
Fearless, starring international action superstar Jet Li, produced by Bill Kong and directed by Ronny Yu.
This is BVITV-AP’s first Chinese-language feature for television distribution.
Under this agreement, BVITV-AP has the rights to distribute Fearless in various markets across Asia including Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. The martial arts epic is expected to make its television debut later this year on Star Chinese Movies in Singapore, the Philippines and Taiwan, where it has been licensed by BVITV-AP.
Coming from the producer of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and House of Flying Daggers, Fearless is based on the tragic life of one
of China’s most renowned martial arts masters Huo Yuanjia (1868-1910) who is played by Jet Li and supported by an international cast lead by Japanese actor Nakamura Shido.
BVITV-AP senior VP, MD Steve Macallister says, “We are thrilled to be extending our portfolio with this Asian box office hit and underlines our commitment to carefully enhancing our portfolio with quality local content. We look forward to the movie’s continued success as it launches later
this year on Star Chinese Movies in various markets across Asia.”
Star GM Chinese programming Jason Siu said, “We are delighted to work with BVITV-AP in adding yet another blockbuster to Star Chinese Movies, the world’s most powerful Chinese movie channel. We are confident that Fearless, with its huge box office success and the mass appeal of Jet Li, will give viewers another spectacular viewing experience.”
The film was recently released in theatres in the US. It opened in various Asian markets earlier this year including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan, and has
grossed nearly $60 million to date at the worldwide box office.
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.
