News Broadcasting
Galaxy to launch digital TV service in Hong Kong on NDS technology
MUMBAI: Galaxy Satellite Broadcasting Limited has announced the trial launch of its digital pay TV service – exTV, based on NDS technology.
While the satellite broadcaster has already commenced the exTV technical pilot on 18 December 2003, the full service is scheduled to start from 18 February 2004.
The service will provide more than thirty channels that cater to the tastes and interests of the Hong Kong TV audience. The channel will bring the audience a unique mix of innovative quality local programming and quality entertainment from around the world, says an NDS release.
According to the release, NDS has supplied conditional access, middleware, set top box integration, a customised electronic program guide (EPG) and two interactive games to the Galaxy service. The new digital offering enables viewers across Hong Kong access to an exciting all-digital multi-channel service.
“NDS is delighted to have assisted Galaxy in bringing its service to market in such a short timeframe. Galaxy’s investment in state-of-the-art digital technology from NDS allows them to offer a new level of quality programming services unequalled in Hong Kong to date. It also provides the most secure distribution platform, allowing Galaxy to reassure content providers that their programming is safe,” says NDS Asia Pacific vice president and general manager Sue Taylor.
The new-look NDS EPG provided for exTV allows up to seven days of program schedules for all channels. With help of the templates, Galaxy to quickly and easily develop its own look and feel to differentiate its service. Using NDS Core, VideoGuard and Value@TV technologies, it can choose different colors and shapes, such as a border around a scrolling list, as well as add graphic elements such as icons, logos and banners.
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.
