News Broadcasting
Has RK Singh departed from Zee & the Essel Group?
The rumour mill has gone into overdrive again at Subhash Chandra’s corporate offices. The grapevine has it that RK Singh, chief executive, Playwin Infrawest, Essel Group, has left the company as of yesterday.
It is not clear what exactly the circumstances of his leaving involved, but when contacted, Singh, who is in Chandigarh at the moment, would only say that he is on leave.
Singh joined Zee Telefilms in September 1999 replacing Vijay Jindal as CEO. He came on board Zee from ESPN Software where he was CEO. In December 2000, after AT Kearney submitted its report on restructuring the organisation, Singh was made group head of corporate services.
His tenure there was however, shortlived as five months later Sandeep Goyal joined the organisation as Zee group broadcasting CEO. Singh was subsequently put in charge of new Essel Group company Playwin Infravest – closely held by Chandra and members of his family – which marked the group’s entry into the online lottery business.
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.
