News Broadcasting
Financial autonomy of pubcaster essential: Reddy
NEW DELHI: Union minister for information and broadcasting Jaipal Reddy said that financial autonomy of public broadcaster was essential for giving true autonomy to Doordarshan and All-India Radio and suggested that public opinion be built up regarding new sources of funding of the organisations like a one-time fee on radio and TV sets in the country.
With nearly two third of expenditure being funded by the government, it was not possible to stop government intervention, he said.
Speaking at a seminar on “A Decade of Citizen’s Initiative ” organised by Jan Prasar, he said all non-governmental organisations and academicians engaged in the field of mass-communication should come forward and work towards creating an enabling environment conducive for creating of model in which financial autonomy of Prasar Bharati can be ensured.
He said during his last tenure in the I&B ministry, he had worked towards a bill aimed at annual licence fee, which was criticised by manufacturers of television sets. He said financial autonomy to Prasar Bharati was essential to take it out of governmental control.
Reddy also felt that there was a need to set up a semi-governmental organisation to regulate content on TV.
Reddy also announced that Prasar Bharati was all set to launch its KU-band DTH service later this month that will initially have 30 channels, including 14 channels of Doordarshan. The number of channels would go to 40 by yearend.
The main feature of DTH service is that it will be available to the people free of cost. They will have to make one-time investment of Rs 3,000 only for buying the set.
On future of FM and community radio, the minister said a regime enabling huge expansion was being worked out. Efforts were on to simplify and rationalise procedures in allowing setting up of community radio. He said the country could have up to 4,000 community radio stations and over 400 FM radio stations.
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.
