News Broadcasting
Creator of ‘Millionaire’ sues Disney over royalties
MUMBAI: The Brit creator of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?, Paul Smith of Celador International, sued the Walt Disney Co. on Thursday accusing it of cutting him out of the profits of the American version of the hit game show.
Smith was quoted in a media report saying that Disney and subsidiaries ABC and Buena Vista Television (BVT) manipulated costs to keep the series “at prices well below the fair market value.”
A media report quoted the Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit saying that Celador accused Disney of unlawfully interfering in its joint venture with ABC and BVT by pressuring its subsidiaries to hike production costs and refusing to renegotiate licensing fees for better terms.
Under a JV with Celador, Buena Vista produced Millionaire with host Regis Philbin, and the ABC network aired it starting on 16 August 1999, for 13 consecutive nights.
Smith, it is reported, is suing all three (Disney, ABC and BVT) firms for undisclosed damages
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.
