News Broadcasting
etc Punjabi may go pay post CAS
MUMBAI: Although ETC Networks had earlier announced that its channels etc and etc Punjabi would become free-to-air after 14 July 2003, there is a possibility that etc Channel Punjabi will go pay.
At a CAS seminar organised by ETC Networks in Mumbai on Thursday, ETC Networks’ director Jagjit Singh Kohli said the decision would depend on the business/revenue model of the channel. “Our research indicates that etc Punjabi has exclusive content that is not available with competitors – for instance, the Gurbani (live renditions from the Sikh holy book relayed from the Golden Temple, Amritsar). Moreover, our internal research indicates that large chunks of viewers in North India are hooked on to the channel and will definitely pay the monthly charges.”
However, Kohli categorically confirmed that the flagship Hindi music channel etc would remain FTA. “etc music channel has substantial reach, penetration and distribution. In fact, it gets advertising revenues due to these strengths. Moreover, it also earns monies due to sponsored trailors and music videos amongst others. There is no question that etc Hindi would remain free,” Kohli said.
He also added that several broadcasters will have to take a decision about converting pay channels into FTA and vice versa. “It entirely depends on the business model that the broadcaster adopts. Currently, some of the MSOs are asking pay channels for commitments that they would remain pay for a certain specified duration. However, the government notifications don’t specify any such commitments. As far as the government is concerned, the more the number of FTA channels, the better it is. The government can then claim that CAS is a success.”
In an interesting revelation, Kohli also pointed out that the broadcasters have proposed to have different MRPs (market retail prices) for channels in different cities. In their meeting with MSOs on 18 June, broadcasters had given MSOs a chance to add their margins to the pay channel rates specified by the broadcasters. However, Kohli felt that the differential pricing regime would not be allowed as the government wants standardised rates across the country.
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.
