News Broadcasting
Government plans 1-year uplink licence for foreign news channels
NEW DELHI: As part of the revised uplinking policy, the Indian government has proposed that all foreign news channels like CNN and BBC seeking temporary uplink permission from time to time would be granted such okay on a long term basis, subject to certian riders.
A senior information and broadcasting ministry official said today that all foreign channels can get uplink permission for a year, provided they have a long-term agreement with a local teleport here, which will be needed to keep records of matter uplinked for at least three months.
Foreign channels like CNN, BBC, Japan’s NHK, Deutsche Welle had petitioned the government that every time there was a major event in India, temporary uplink permission had to be sought from the government, which was a cumbersome process.
The uplink policy, which has ben sent to the Cabinet for clearance, also seeks to put a registration fee of Rs 500,000 on all channels uplinking out of India as one time fee. The annual reneweal fee would be Rs 100,000.
The donwlink policy, which seeks to give the government more control over channels beaming into India from outside, is still being fine tuned by the ministry and is expected to go for Cabinet clearance in “about a week’s time.”
As reported by Indiantelevision.com earlier, the government official admitted that the downlink policy would seek registration of all TV channels in India so as to bring them under the ambit of Indian rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, I&B minister Jaipal Reddy today announced that pubcaster Doordarshan will start an Urdu channel at a total cost of approximately Rs 670 million. For this channel, the government would extend financial aid of Rs 200 million during this financial year.
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.
