News Broadcasting
Deadline passes, still no Content Code; govt says editors must take a call
NEW DELHI: The deadline has passed. Now the information & broadcasting ministry is seriously upset that the News Broadcasters Association has not sent them any communiqué – let alone the Content Code they had promised to give – and say that the editors will have to take a call, especially about excessive repetition of shots of violence.
“NBA had themselves said they would give their draft by 31 January, and though there is nothing sacrosanct about that date, we could wait for a day or two,” a ministry official said.
The official also pointed out that repetition of violent and obscene shots is a dangerous thing, as they make the less educated audience – the vast majority – think that that is the reality. “The editor will have to take a call on that, this cannot be allowed,” he added.
NBA secretary general and spokesperson Annie Joseph could not be contacted despite several calls on her mobile, and another senior member o NBA committee declined to comment, saying that could come from only Joseph.
However, industry sources said that the draft is still being discussed and the attempt is to make it inclusive and representative across the country, and hence, it would take a longer time, as this could not be rushed through.
Officials also informed that they are gearing to meet a Delhi High Court deadline on informing the court about the outcome of meetings with the Indian Newspaper Society, Indian Broadcasting Foundation and the Indian Media Group on issues of violence and obscenity.
The court has specifically named these three organisations and not included the NBA in its list of organisations to be consulted, the official stated.
A writ petition filed by an individual asking the court to issue an order to the government to implement the content code. On 14 December, the court passed an interim order, asking the organisations and the government to thrash out the issues and report to it within 10 weeks, and that process is on, the official said.
Senior officials said, “NBA is not interested in filing their draft Content Code, and though nothing concrete has been decided as the next course of action, the government will soon decide what to do.”
The government has only two options: drop the entire issue, or take up their own content code and possibly revise certain segments that had been found to be repugnant by NBA, and issue the code.
Dropping the content code altogether is not a plausible course of action for even if the government wanted to, the judiciary has clearly indicated in many cases that it is not happy with the content on TV news channels.
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.
