News Broadcasting
Foreign b’casters seek US ambassador Mulford help to dilute Indian downlink norms
NEW DELHI: A section of TV broadcasters operating in India have approached the US government representatives here to take up certain issues in the downlinking norms with the Indian government.
Though the guidelines have been notified and any change, if at all acceded to by the government, would be a time consuming affair, efforts are being made to see if some clauses can be diluted.
Broadcasting industry sources told Indiantelevision.com that in the last 10 days, a delegation of companies, mostly comprising American outfits, sought help of the US ambassador in India, David C Mulford, on the downlinking issue.
A background paper is being prepared for him so that he can take up the issue with the Indian government and its representatives, including the information and broadcasting ministry.
According to the sources, the industry-Mulford meeting was, interestingly, also attended by Dubai-based Ten Sports.
However, some foreign broadcasters are of the opinion that such a stand could also be interpreted as a confrontation with Indian policy makers, which could be avoided at this juncture when India remains the biggest market open to all after the Chinese governments stringent media norms announced recently have crippled foreign companies expansion plans there.
That most foreign broadcasters, operating in India, are worried about a clause relating to establishment of an entity in India that is answerable to local laws (in technical jargon its known as permanent establishment), is a foregone conclusion.
But what is raising temperatures is the fact that this move would dramatically increase tax outflow of the broadcasters who have been paying a certain amount of tax in India based on notional revenue mop up.
Setting up of permanent establishment (PE) by foreign broadcasters would mean that government would collect taxes on actual revenue been generated here. The flip side: some costs, as shown by companies, might become a topic of hot debate.
The industry-US ambassador meeting, it is learnt, was been initiated by the low profile Indian chapter of a Hong Kong-based body of cable and satellite broadcasters.
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.
