News Broadcasting
Channel 7 brings in CNN-IBN’s ‘Citizen Journalist’
MUMBAI: With the launch of CNN-IBN, the English news channel had brought in a new initiative of empowering ordinary citizen through the show Citizen Journalism. The new sibling Channel 7 is all set to follow the path taken by the big brother by launching Citizen Journalist.
The show Citizen Journalist encourages the viewers to document in pictures or videos, anything around them that should be brought to the nation’s notice. The most relevant reports sent will be aired on the channel, duly crediting the viewer, informs an official release.
Citizens can report on news items of importance across the country by sending in a MMS to 2622, SMS CJ (Story) to 2622 or by calling Channel 7’s help-line at 0120-2515340. Citizen Journalists may also e-mail their stories to citizen@ibnlive.com or even post their stories on www.ibnlive.com.
Citizen Journalist, the initiative started by CNN-IBN and has over 2000 stories in its bank within just six months. Channel 7 managing editor Ashutosh says, “We at Channel 7 endeavour to infuse our mission statement ‘Khabar Har Keemat Par’ in every individual’s life, and ‘Citizen Journalist’ an ideal route to capture it. This initiative by CNN-IBN is exemplary and laudable. We are confident that Channel 7 will also receive an encouraging response and attain similar success.”
CNN-IBN and Channel 7 editor-in-chief Rajdeep Sardesai said, “Citizen Journalist is an idea whose time has come. It’s a way of engaging the viewer, of making him/her an active participant in the process of newsgathering, of making television news truly interactive. The big idea is to build a citizenry that is engaged with public life.”
Earlier this year, the management of Channel7 changed hands. The channel also relaunched on 5 June with a new on-air look and a tag line to boot – ‘Khabar, Har Keemat Par’ (News, No matter what the cost).
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.
