News Broadcasting
Congress-led coalition govt. looks to de-saffronise Prasar Bharati
NEW DELHI: The new Congress-led coalition government would like to de-saffronise Prasar Bharati, which would mean that people owing allegiance to it and other allies of the Congress would find a place on the board of the organisation that runs Doordarshan and All India Radio.
Though the chairman of Prasar Bharati, MV Kamath, has been an erudite and well-known editor of several prestigious publications of India, he is likely to be one of the first target as he is also the softest one owing to his self-confessed close relationship with RSS, the parent organisation of the
Bharatiya Janata Party that led the previous coalition government.
Because Prasar Bharati, in its present form, did not exist when Congress was last at the helm of powers in Delhi, it is still not clear what would be the reaction of the new government to the board that is manning India’s pubcasters.There is, however, no weapon in the Prasar Bharati Act that could compel the new government to remove Kamath, who got a nod for a second six-year term some time back, unless (unlikely) charges of grave nature are brought against him.
What the government can do, if it’s desperate on Kamath, is to put pressure on him on health grounds that he would not be able to continue discharging his duties because of medical infirmities.
That Kamath recently met with an accident and is still said to be recovering from it could give the new government enough ammunition to put pressure on him to quit voluntarily.
But Prasar Bharati sources indicate that there could be several changes in the organisation once the new government gets down to the nitty-gritty’s of governance and filling up key posts with ‘friendly’ people.
In the Prasar Bharati board, three posts are vacant that can be filled up by like-, minded people by the new government.
These post fell vacant due to the exit of veteran journalist BG Verghese, regarded as one of the best board members for his outspokenness, VN Misra and former defence personnel Zaki. The last two were said to be close to the ruling BJP.
It is also not clear whether artiste Bhupen Hazarika, who contested a parliamentary seat on a BJP ticket and lost, would continue as a board member.
One person, who may come under some cloud, but come out unscathed, is Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma.
A career bureaucrat from Andhra Pradesh – where TDP’s techno-savvy Chandrababu Naidu lorded over till recently before a virus called Congress struck his governance fatally – Sarma is likely to continue if government sources are to be believed. Speaking on Sarma’s mercurial qualities, a senior information and broadcasting ministry official said, “If we know him (Sarma) well, he’d strike a good rapport with the new I&B minister too.”
All in all, even if a tornado does not hit the Prasar Bharati, some changes are likely to be effected, which, in normal course, could be expected from any new regime.
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.
