News Broadcasting
CNN expands live programming in Asia Pacific region
MUMBAI: CNN is expanding its live programming in the Asia Pacific region with the launch of a primetime morning and an evening news show.
Additionally, it has appointed two new full-time anchors Patricia Wu and Monita Rajpal to Hong Kong bureau.
CNN International SVP Mike McCarthy said, “The Asia Pacific region is dynamic, compelling and delivers stories that shape the news day for the rest of the world. We are delighted to further increase coverage here from our headquarters in Hong Kong, through a new programming line up that reinforces our commitment to remaining the number one international news network in Asia, unmatched in our award-winning and relevant coverage.”
Starting 19 November, the new primetime morning show, ‘CNN Newsroom, Live from Hong Kong’, will air from 3.30 am to 5.30 am IST each weekday (Monday to Friday). In the show, co-hosts Andrew Stevens and Patricia Wu will cover the top stories from Asia Pacific and across the world, along with headlines across business, sport, weather, technology and
entertainment.
Wu is a Hong Kong-based anchor/correspondent, having relocated from CNN’s New York studio to co-host the new Asia morning show.
Rajpal is also relocating from CNN London to host a new Asia primetime evening news show, ‘CNN NewsCenter’. The soon-to-be launched Hong Kong-anchored ‘CNN NewsCenter’ will air from 5 pm – 5.30 pm IST each weekday.
As part of the network’s new Asia line-up, Pauline Chiou, who has been a Hong Kong based anchor/correspondent with CNN for more than three years, will replace Andrew Stevens as the co-host of the network’s business show, World Business Today. ‘World Business Today’ airs Monday to Friday from 2.30pm – 3.30pm and 7.30pm – 8.30pm.
Anna Coren, who has been anchoring with CNN for four years, will now be an international correspondent based out of Hong Kong, allowing her to also cover the region as news warrants.
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.
