News Broadcasting
IAMCR onboards Surbhi Dahiya as new faculty ambassador
Mumbai: The International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) has appointed Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) English journalism course director Surbhi Dahiya as new faculty ambassador for a duration of three years. IAMCR is a worldwide professional organisation in the field of media and communication research.
With this latest appointment, IAMCR now has three faculty ambassadors in India with Dahiya joining the ranks at the organisation alongside the existing ambassadors Uma Shankar Pandey and Padmakumar K.
In her role as faculty ambassador, Dahiya will organise various events with university departments, local and regional media, communication research bodies and think tanks, and NGOs involved in media advocacy and research and encourage Indian scholars to have visibility in International conferences.
Dahiya was the SUSI scholar from India and completed the study of the United States Institute Programme organised by the United States, Department of State, conducted at the Ohio University in 2017. She was elected as liaison chair for Academia and Industry by the newly formed South Asian Communication Association (SACA). She was the convenor of World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)- IIMC- UNESCO Roundtable in India held in August beside representing India on a number of platforms.
She was also conferred the Women Economic Forum (WEF) award 2019 for ‘Iconic Woman’ as ‘Exceptional Leaders of Excellence’. She won the National Award by Public Relation Society of India (PRSI) for contribution to mass communication education in India and the Lifestyle Journalistic TLJ Jury Award for Excellence in the field of journalism education in 2019.
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.
