News Broadcasting
CNN appoints Jonathan Klein as president of US news group
MUMBAI: Former 60 Minutes executive Jonathan Klein has been appointed as the president of CNN US. Klein has replaced Princell Hair and has been given the responsibility to give CNN the extra boost it needs as the second-ranked all-news channel, behind Fox News.
In the wake of the new appointment, Hair, who is a former Viacom stations group executive and was executive VP and general manager of CNN US, will now hold the newly created position of senior vice president of program and talent development for the entire CNN news group.
“We felt we needed a stronger, more urgent push toward the editorial direction and strategic direction of CNN US,” CNN Group president Jim Walton was quoted as saying in a media report. An upbeat Walton also said that CNN was poised to have its strongest financial year ever, with a leadership position for CNN.com, new plans for CNN Headline News and a strong international business.
Klein is the founder and CEO of The FeedRoom Inc., a high-speed Internet news network and video streamer and has also had a stint as executive vice president of CBS News. In a statement issued by the company, Klein said, “Six years steeped in the digital information industry have helped me understand today’s news consumers in ways never before available to media executives.”
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.
