News Broadcasting
Digital India will bridge gaps between haves & have-nots: Ravi Shankar Prasad
NEW DELHI: Digital India is a tool to bridge the divide between the haves and have-nots, according to Communications and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
In his address at the Times Networks Digital India meet, Prasad said that a floodgate of opportunities are going to open in India. “I welcome concrete suggestions from all for making Digital India a grand success – we have to work together. Wherever it is possible digging will be done, cables will be laid, if we can supplement by satellite or balloon or drones, we will consider that,” he said.
Prasad added that a ‘skilled India’ is one of the three priority areas for the government that would complement the ongoing ambitious Digital India and Make in India programmes. “The three pillars of digital India that our government will focus on is digital infrastructure, digital service delivery and digital empowerment,” Prasad said.
According to him, Digital India is an enabling platform for change and will not be fulfilled without the Make in India initiative.
Times Television Network, part of the Times of India Group, hosted the ‘Digital India Summit 2015’ on the theme – ‘Digital India: Bits & Bytes of a Billion Dreams’. The summit brought key policy makers, digital leaders and influential thinkers face-to-face to deliberate suggestions to prepare India to face technological challenges and devise solutions to contribute towards realizing the implementation objectives of Digital India.
The two-day conclave saw discussions on vital subjects including Broadband Highways, Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity, Public Internet Access Programme; E-governance: Reforming the Government through Technology; Net Neutrality; Digital Wallet, E-Kranti: Electronic Delivery of Services; Information for all; Electronic manufacturing; IT for jobs and Early Harvest Programme.
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.
