News Broadcasting
Hollywood goes to Dubai via Sheeraz Hasan
MUMBAI: After connecting Hollywood to Bollywood, Tinseltown TV founder and CEO Sheeraz Hasan now takes Hollywood to Dubai in an attempt to connect the West to the Middle East.
Dubai TV, which is owned by the Royal Family of UAE have granted Tinseltown TV exclusive rights to air primetime on a Dubai network reaching more than 300 million viewers in the Middle East.
Sheeraz Hasan – Realising the New American Dream “We are bridging the gap from Hollywood to Dubai we will be the first Hollywood show to air in Dubai,” says Hasan. Tinseltown TV will launch its show in May, bringing Hollywood to all homes in Dubai. Said to have streets lined with gold, Dubai officials feel it necessary to bring the glitter to their homes as well.
Hasan has been called the ‘New American Dream’ by Fortune Magazine. Hasan says, “We are showing Hollywood in a good light by asking celebrities about their spirituality, rather than going after the shock value like some tabloid TV.”
At the same time, Hasan wants Hollywood to know about Dubai. “I want to help change the negative perceptions of the Middle East. I am so impressed with Dubai that I think filmmakers and stars should consider Dubai as a location. Dubai is Beverly Hills for the Middle East. It is the most luxurious place in the world. We already have access to the biggest stars in Hollywood, but I want to showcase Hollywood to the city of Dubai so Tinseltown can bring new Investors from Dubai to fund Hollywood Productions.”
Hasan has already been asked to bring Hollywood productions and scripts to Dubai and get Hollywood productions funded by the Middle East. Hasan is partnering with Dubai TV in an attempt to bring Hollywood to an exciting, new market.
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.
