News Broadcasting
Casbaa announces China TV animation forum
MUMBAI: The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (Casbaa) has announced its programme for the CIRTV International Forum, “Animating the Future”, on 25 August 2004 in Beijing.
The one-day Casbaa CITVC animation forum is the programming centerpiece of the China International Radio Film & Television Expo (CIRTV), hosted by China’s pay-TV regulator the State Administration of Radio Film & Television (SARFT) and the China Media Group (CMG).
CITVC is the commercial arm of state broadcaster CCTV and the exclusive distributor of all foreign pay-TV channels in China.
The CIRTV meeting is Mainland China’s most-wide ranging broadcasting conference and exhibition aimed at further promoting the development of China’s domestic film and television industry as well as its relationship with overseas partners.
The “Animating the Future” forum should attract some 250 senior executive-level government officials and China-based pay-TV professionals. It has been developed as a key component in the Central Government designated “Year of Animation” for the China pay-TV market, which was recently marked by a decision to mandate that each of China’s 32 provincial cable systems must develop their own animation channel.
“This is an exciting time for the children’s television sector in China,” said Marcel Fenez, Chairman of CASBAA. “This collaboration between CITVC and Casbaa marks a significant advance in our continuing efforts to support China’s fast-growing pay-TV market. With children’s television being a core element within any pay-TV platform we see this conference as being central to advancing industry growth.”
Meanwhile, Casbaa, as CITVC’s international partner for the Forum, is also assisting with the promotion of the exhibition area of the China International Exhibition (August 25th – 27th) and related sponsorships.
The core objective of the “Animating the Future” forum is to provide domestic and international delegates with as broad a view of the pay-TV animation industry as possible, highlighting the differing global animation styles, business models and its role within the broader Children’s Television industry.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase China’s Children’s TV industry within an international context,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO of Casbaa. Keystone contributions from the likes of Nickelodeon, IBM, Animax, Walt Disney, and Cartoon Network as well as KOCCA (Korea) and CCTV will ensure the event’s success.
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.
