News Broadcasting
GBN names Mukund Setlur as head of sales (N/E) for Channel7
MUMBAI: The Global Broadcast News (GBN) is on a hiring sphere. The company, which manages CNN-IBN has roped in NDTV regional sales manager Mukund Setlur for the Hindi news channel, Channel7 as head of sales north and east.
Setlur was an associate media director with Media Edge, Mumbai. He has been in the profession for over 13 years.
In an official statement issued by the company, Setlur said of his challenging assignment, “I am extremely delighted with this opportunity to work with the fastest growing media house in the country. I am eager to be apart of the team that is about to redefine Hindi news journalism.”
Channel 7 is poised for a take off in its soon to be launched new avtaar wherein the channel will be named IBN7. The channel has roped in Aaj Tak’s Ashutosh to be the managing editor.
TV18 director sales Rajnath Kamath said, “IBN values Mukund’s sales skills and with him at the helm and other activities planned we are confident that the channel will grow into a market leader soon”.
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.
