News Broadcasting
FremantleMedia promotes Gers to head up ancillary rights ops worldwide
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), has promoted Olivier Gers to general manager of FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide (FLW).
In this position, Gers will oversee the exploitation of FremantleMedia’s many strong brands off screen around the world and will be responsible for developing product and promotional associations that enhance and extend consumers’ experience of each property, including brand licensing, music publishing, online and interactive, sponsorship, live events and telephony. Gers will be based in New York and will report to FremantleMedia Enterprises CEO David Ellender.
Gers, who has been promoted from his previous role as FLW Americas executive vice president, will work together with Ellender to develop, set and implement the company’s ancillary rights strategic direction within the newly-created FremantleMedia Enterprises Group.
Ellender said, “I am really delighted that Olivier has agreed to take the helm of FLW. Since joining the company, Olivier has demonstrated a great ability to develop an innovative and hugely successful blend of ancillary rights options around some our key TV brands, working on international hits such as American Idol, The Price Is Right and Family Feud. He has made a significant impact on the growth of the business in the Americas and I am confident that, with his great talent and experience, he is the ideal leader to further build upon FLW’s existing reputation and success and further strengthen our position as leading ancillary rights experts around the world.”
Gers added, “I’m extremely excited to be taking on this role and leading such a talented team of executives from across the globe. FremantleMedia has developed some of the world’s preeminent entertainment brands and I’m looking forward to working with all our partners worldwide to bring these brands to the next level.”
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.
