News Broadcasting
God TV official b’cast partner of ‘The Passion of the Christ’
MUMBAI: On 7 May one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year – Mel Gibson’s The Passion Of The Christ will be released in cinemas across India. God TV is the official broadcast partner of the movie.
The channel will have special promotions and features like a making of the featurette as well as trailers. God TV was launched a couple of years back in India and Asia. The free-to-air channel claims availability in 15 million homes in India with a potential viewership of 75 million.
As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com , Los Angeles based Kintop Pictures is distributing the film. Addressing a media briefing this afternoon, Deepak Nayar who heads the company said that the censor board okeyed the movie sans cuts. “On the marketing front we will be using buses and outdoor hoardings. We are also conducting screenings for members of the clergy in different states. The feedback has been extremely positive and it was on account of the realism that the censor board gave the film a clean chit. There are other countries like the Middle east where quite a few scenes have been cut.”
The company will release 50-60 prints in Mumbai and in the South. Based on the response, it will decide whether or not to progress North. At a later stage the company could look at dubbing the film in Hindi and Tamil depending on the demand.
Nayar added that though the whole film is in Aramic and Latin, the director and producer Mel Gibson did not want the film to be subtitled at all. “He felt that the powerful images were sufficient to tell the story,” said Nayar. One of the interesting things about the film is that Satan is depicted as a woman.
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.
