News Broadcasting
Discovery, British High Commission launch ‘Future Living 2020’ partnership
MUMBAI: Discovery and the British High Commission have annouced the launch of their partnership Future Living: 2020.
The UK-sponsored Future Living is a six part TV series. This will showcase the challenges and opportunities of the future in areas of lifestyle, computing, health, sustainability and creativity.
The series will be aired on Discovery in the first quarter of this year. The airing of the series on Discovery Channel will be accompanied by visits to India by UK scientists.
British Trade and Industry Minister, Rt. Hon. Alistair Darling said, “I am pleased to launch the television initiative Future Living. The series will reach out to a wide audience, share ideas for innovation, and generate new prospects for research partnerships. I want the UK to be a key partner for India in science and innovation, to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. The UK is a major player in science, with many Nobel Prize winners. Our science budget has doubled from ?1.3 billion to ?3.5 billion in less than a decade.”
Discovery India executive VP. MD Deepak Shourie said, “Future Living 2020, as the title clearly suggests, alludes to what the near future has in store for mankind.
What this series shows us is that as scientists and researchers probe newer ways of improving and bolstering technology and its delivery mechanisms in various fields of endeavour, we can all look forward to a healthier, safer and more creative world. Discovery Channel is proud to partner with the British High Commission in bringing this exciting vision of mankind’s immediate future to its viewers across India.”
Stressing on the India growth trajectory, Darling adds, “India is one of the great opportunities for business. With the economy growing at eight per cent, it is one we cannot afford to miss. That is why I am leading the largest ever business delegation to India – over 150 of our top business people, representing over 80 of our best-known companies.”
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.
