News Broadcasting
DD India now available in HD
MUMBAI: Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekar Vempati announced today that DD India is going high definition. From October 3, the channel will be available in HD. The broadcaster had ventured into the HD arena with DD National and DD News back in 2017.
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Minister of information & broadcasting Prakash Javadekar congratulated both Prasar Bharti and Doordarshan officials on the launch.
DD India is available in 146 countries all over the globe. It is an English news channel service which also airs programmes for the Indian diaspora and those interested in all things desi.
Prasar Bharti’s decision to push aggressively into the HD playing field is a welcome, if belated, move. Most private broadcasters in India had spun off HD cousins of their standard definition channels more than a decade ago. And internationally, most pubcasters have started experimenting with the 4K format. One Indian broadcaster, TravelXP, has in fact already launched a 4K channel internationally. Whereas in Japan and parts of Europe, TV shows are being test–transmitted in 8K by public broadcasters.
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.
