News Broadcasting
In the wake of elections, BBC Hindi launches three new series
MUMBAI: In the wake of the upcoming elections, BBC Hindi service, radio and online, will bring in-depth and comprehensive coverage of the elections. The service, which currently has the Voice of the People road show touring Bihar, is also broadcasting three series especially for the election featuring the former prime minister I K Gujral and discussing India’s democracy and voting tradition.
Over the next eight weeks starting Wednesday, 25 March Gujral discusses the elections, weaving in the electoral dynamics of India’s democracy into his own busy political past. Gujral’s radio programme will be accompanied by a regular column on BBC Hindi’s popular website bbchindi.com.
In Aap Ke Mudde, Aap Ka Chunav also starting on 25 March, BBC Hindi radio editor Shivkant travels across India exploring how democracy interplays with different aspects of life. In the 25 part series, Shivkant compares voting trends by caste, region and social groups throughout the years. He discusses with politicians the key issues affecting India and speaks to young people, who make up more than half of the voting population, about their concerns and aspirations. Shivkant also explores how women vote and what their expectations are.
Starting on Friday, 2 April social scientist, Yogendra Yadav navigates listeners through the diversity and complexity of Indian democracy in Sansad Ki Raah. This 25 part series analyses the impact of the election on the major states of India, examines the electoral battleground and looks back on past elections. Each programme explores the nature of party competition including how political and social alliances are formed and develop. Yogendra also looks at the challenges ahead for the winning political party and explores the possibility of a caste alignment.
BBC Hindi head Achala Sharma says, “With our radio and online coverage we will ensure that Hindi-speaking audiences globally are engaged with the election story as it unfolds. But more importantly, we will give visitors to bbchindi.com the opportunity to put across their views and contribute to the debate on key issues affecting them in this vote.
The three new series are in addition to extensive news and current affairs coverage of the election on BBC Hindi radio and online.
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.
