News Broadcasting
Ernst & Young submits report on BBC’s financial systems
MUMBAI: Accounting firm Ernst & Young has submitted its revenue to the BBC board of governors about the financial functions of the UK pubcaster.
While the review has concluded that the BBC’s system of financial controls and procedures is fundamentally sound at the same time a number of specific controls need tightening. Some budgetary processes need to be reviewed in the interests of improved accountability and value for money.
The review said the BBC’s policies about discretionary expenditure – including travel, accommodation and staff expenses – covered all the relevant topics. “However, they are often broadly defined and can, therefore, give rise to a range of interpretations.” The firm recommended that the policies be defined more closely.
There was also concern about the number of people who have access to the computer system that manages the BBC’s procurement system – currently 3,000 staff out of a total of 28,000 BBC employees. “Given that inappropriate access increases the potential for corruption or fraud, we recommend that a review of user access is implemented with a view to reducing the extent of access, as appropriate” stated the report.
Responding to the review, BBC chairman Michael Grade said, “The BBC must be conscious always that it is funded by public money. As the custodians of this public money, the Governors have a duty to monitor the BBC’s financial controls.
“The Governors are reassured that this review by Ernst & Young has found the BBC’s overall system of financial controls to be fundamentally sound. As part of our new governance arrangements, the Governors are committed to strengthening our methods for monitoring the BBC’s financial performance and this will include commissioning ad hoc reviews of this type.”
News Broadcasting
India Today Group debuts AI anchor ‘Sutra’ at AI Impact Summit 2026
Sutra aims to simplify live policy debates using sovereign AI models
NEW DELHI: India Today Group has unveiled Sutra, an AI-driven news anchor designed to deliver real-time, contextual reporting, marking the group’s latest push to integrate artificial intelligence into mainstream journalism.
The AI anchor was introduced at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi and developed in collaboration with BharatGen, with the initiative showcased by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
India Today Group said Sutra is built to navigate complex policy discussions and fast-moving developments by synthesising information into concise, accessible insights, aimed at narrowing the gap between high-level debates and public understanding. The AI anchor was used to surface live takeaways from key sessions at the summit.
India Today Group chief AI officer Nilanjan Das, said the project was focused on clarity and accessibility without diluting editorial rigour. He added that working with BharatGen aligned the group’s AI ambitions with India’s broader push towards sovereign technology capabilities.
BharatGen CEO Rishi Bal, said the partnership reflected a shift from basic automation towards deeper contextual intelligence in media. He emphasised the importance of indigenous, multimodal AI models capable of understanding Indian languages, regional dialects and cultural nuance, particularly as AI-driven news formats gain traction.
The launch positions India Today Group among the first major Indian media houses to deploy an AI anchor backed by home-grown technology, underscoring a growing convergence between journalism, public policy and sovereign AI infrastructure.
