News Broadcasting
CASBAA wins pay TV piracy ruling
HONG KONG: Ever since last year member channels of the Cable and satellite broadcast association of Asia (CASBAA) have been concerned over the sale of decoders for services not licensed within Hong Kong. Now a High Court ruling should ease their worries.
The Hong Kong High Court entered judgment in favour of the plaintiffs in civil actions against the five remaining defendants for importing and trading in unauthorised satellite TV signal decoding equipment. In his ruling, the Judge granted an injunction prohibiting the defendants from trading in unauthorised smart cards and associated apparatus stating that such use was offensive and must be stopped.
The plaintiffs were Star, CNN, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, ESPN Star Sports, Discovery Networks Asia and NGC Network Asia. The defendants were Gamestar Technology Ltd., Philip Yeung Fei Lap trading as JP Technology, Tongyong Youhe, Li Ka Siu, and Flying Dragon Engineering. This follows an out of court settlement made in April. The two defendants Alpha Communications Technology and Andy Yeung Chun Wah admitted infringement of the plaintiffs’ intellectual property rights. They made payment on account of damages and costs.
CASBAA CEO Simon Twiston Davies said: “With this action we have won an historic decision which unequivocally signals that our industry is tackling piracy which is costing our businesses hundreds of millions of US dollars each year. This was our first action in Hong Kong and new actions will soon be underway in other markets such as the Philippines and Thailand. This is vital work.”
“The Hong Kong decision highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in light of the huge investment made annually to develop great television content for the region. If these rights are not protected then investments will dry up and consumers will have their choice reduced,” Davies said.
In middle of last year the CASBAA-member channels hired an independent investigation firm to collect evidence of various companies in Hong Kong that were publicly engaged in the business of selling equipment and subscriptions to individuals and commercial establishments to allow reception of various pay-TV services and packages that do not originate from Hong Kong.
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.
