News Broadcasting
First Asian American network set for August launch
MUMBAI: Now Asians residing in the US will have a television network catering to their needs. ImaginAsian Entertainment has announced that it will provide cross-platform entertainment targeting over 14 million Asian-Americans residing in the US.
The company’s first venture will be ImaginAsian TV (iaTV), It will launch in August as the first national, 24-hour Asian-American television network. The announcements were made today by the company’s CEO Michael Hong.
ImaginAsian TV has signed multi-volume programming deals with television companies such as the saas bahu queen Balaji Telefilms, China Movie Channel (CCTV 6), Japan’s TV Asahi, Vietnam Media, South Korea’s Game TV, Asian News International.
The network will be fully ad supported. ImaginAsian TV will offer premiere the best programmes that Asia has to offer as well as original productions developed and produced by the network. The schedule will consist of feature films, drama series and sitcoms, news, variety and game shows, animation, children’s programs, music videos, sports, documentaries and more.
A company release informs that all the in-language programmes will be subtitled by ImaginAsian TV’s in-house translators, and during prime-time, English-speaking hosts will introduce and provide commentary about the programmes being shown.
ImaginAsian TV has stated that it has reached its first major distribution agreement a full seven months prior to its launch later this year and is in latter-stage negotiations with major MSOs around the country. ImaginAsian TV has signed an affiliation agreement with Equity Broadcasting Corp which is one of the largest broadcast station groups in the US. This signals a landmark shift in the way Asian media is distributed in this country.
Hong added “The time has come to reassess the platform in which Asian media is traditionally placed. While it may have been acceptable ten years ago to relegate Asian media to premium tiers, it is our belief that in most major markets today, a channel of this quality and reach should be available as a basic service.”
Through the agreement with Equity Broadcasting ImaginAsian TV has gained access to more than 1.6 million households. Through a separate distribution agreement with Silk Road, ImaginAsian TV will be available via the broadband provider’s US subscriber base as a linear channel. ImaginAsian TV will also provide Video On Demand content and marketing support as the product is rolled out in North America.
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.
