News Broadcasting
Century Communication buys out ex-UTV Mishra’s 30% stake in Pearl Media
MUMBAI: Delhi-based Century Communication Limited (CCL) has bought out ex-UTV Anil Mishra’s 30 per cent stake in Pearl Media for an undisclosed amount.
Pearl Media will now become a division of the company. “Earlier Pearl Media was functioning as a subsidiary of CCL. We have bought out Mishra’s stake,” CCL chairman PK Tewari tells Indiantelevision.com. CCL will consolidate its air-time sales, TV software, outdoor media and radio ad sales businesses under the umbrella of Pearl Media.
CCL had joined hands with Mishra in 2004 after he quit UTV as COO of air-time sales and syndication. Pearl Media was formed to start the ad sales business with particular focus on Sun TV’s group of channels. Pearl Media since then has grown to a turnover of Rs 700 million, handling 15 shows on Sun Network and two on Doordarshan.
“I have sold my stake and parted ways with CCL,” says Mishra who functioned as CEO of Pearl Media.
A new team is now being put in place with Sanjay Reddy roped in from Walt Disney to head Pearl Media.
CCL, which posted a turnover of Rs 1.5 billion for the fiscal 2005-06, has recently ventured into the FM sector and has bagged nine radio licenses in various cities across India. The company is targeting Rs 2 billion this fiscal. Apart from ad sales business through Pearl Media, CCL is into post production under the brand name of Pixion.
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.
