News Broadcasting
E! Networks president, CEO Herman steps down
MUMBAI: US-based E! Networks which has channels producing content on fashion, style and entertainment has announced the exit of president and CEO Mindy S Herman. The company’s parent Comcast added that Herman would remain in her position until later this year till a replacement is found.
As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com E! Networks plans to enter India later this year.
Herman’s decision came at a time when there were reports suggesting that she had abused her position for personal gain. Prior to the official announcement it was the Los Angeles Times that had reported that Comcast was looking to replace Herman after conducting an internal audit of her expenditures and employee relations.
During her tenure E! underwent an elaborate rebranding initiative a couple of years ago. This spanned all areas of the network – including on-air and online. Its Style channel was also been re-branded to set the stage for its expanded distribution numbers. Last year the E! International Network was launched.
During Herman’s tenure, E! Studios was created and E! shifted its focus to develop more with outside producers. In the past couple of years E! Entertainment and Style launched more series than at any time in their history.
The above mentioned LA Times story however dwelt on her bad behaviour including commandeering other employees’ complimentary goodie bags. Sources had indicated that the audit was prompted by employees sending anonymous letters to Comcast and co-owner Disney complaining about Herman.
Another report in TelevisionWeek saw sources complain about Herman’s ego. In the past she apparently ordered E! red-carpet camera crews to show her arrival at award ceremonies. E! is well known for its coverage of the Oscars. In fact a few years ago Star Movies had a tie up with E! to show post party footage as well as the Academy Awards announcement which featured experts like Tom O Neill.
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.
