News Broadcasting
BVITV and France Telecom sign VOD agreement at MipTV
CANNES: Buena Vista International Television (BVITV) and France Telecom have concluded a multi-year VOD (voice on demand) agreement to allow subscribers to enjoy a selection of movies from BVITV’s portfolio, through France Telecom’s Wanadoo broadband, and MaLigne IPTV set top box services.
Under the new agreement, France Telecom’s subscribers will be able to enjoy a selection of current and library features from producer groups such as Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films. Viewers will be able to access the content online via Wanadoo broadband, downloading movies for a period of up to 30 days, or via the MaLigne set top box service. On both services, titles will be available for 24 hours once the film has been accessed.
The selection will include first run current titles such as Flightplan, Casanova, Finding Neverland, Kinky Boots and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
In addition, subscribers will be able to enjoy a selection of library titles, including Pretty Woman, Armageddon Pearl Harbor, Signs and Unbreakable.
For BVITV, this agreement was concluded by vice president sales, French-speaking Europe and Middle East Florent Gaignault and pay TV and new technologies vice president sales Damian Newton.
BVITV EMEA senior vice president sales and portfolio development Philippe Maigret said, “We are working with operators such as France Telecom to provide secure ways for viewers across the world to access our movies online, on demand, and to help drive uptake of legitimate download services. This VOD agreement across France Telecom’s IPTV and broadband platforms marks the beginning of a key relationship, which we see eventually covering additional territories in Europe, across our programming portfolio for distribution on emerging platforms.”
France Telecom executive vice president content division Patricia Langrand added, “We are very pleased to announce the first and promising step towards a strong and creative partnership. Our intention is to extend this first agreement to other territories and to develop our partnership with other content, such as BVITV’s fantastic portfolio of series. For that purpose, we will offer our commitment to our customers: my favourite programmes, everywhere, whenever I want, and the way I want.”
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.
