News Broadcasting
India, Senegal agree on joint cooperation in broadcasting and cinema
NEW DELHI: India and Senegal have agreed to form a joint working group in areas identified under the executive programme for cultural cooperation, including cinema and broadcasting, signed between the two countries.
The areas identified are based on the Articles 4 and 11 of the agreement pertaining to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. The Agreement to constitute the joint working group was taken during the meeting between I&B Minister Manish Tewari and Senegal Culture Minister Abdul Aziz Mbaye. Both Ministers agreed to draw a time bound roadmap in order to take the cooperation in the Information and Broadcasting Sector forward.
During the discussions, Mbaye accepted the invitation to visit the International Film Festival of India in Goa in November this year. Both Ministers also agreed to identify cooperation in areas pertaining to co-production in the film sector, sharing the experience by India in setting up the National Museum of Indian Cinema and the efforts being made by India to establish a single window clearance for film shooting in the country.
Tewari apprised the Minister from Senegal on the potential of the areas of cooperation in the film sector and the participation in festivals such as the Children’s Film Festival and the Documentary Film Festival organised by the Films Wing of this Ministry.
Tewari also outlined the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry in the Broadcasting space. He specifically referred to the laws/rules/regulations formulated pertaining to Cable TV/DTH/HITS. Special mention was made regarding the digitisation process in the country and the endeavour to create a viable business model for the industry through this process.
The Senegal Minister referred to the possibilities of cooperation between the Public Broadcaster and the Senegalese Government Broadcaster in the near future.
Tewari also offered to cooperate in training and capacity building through the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. This segment could be promoted through workshops, training modules and orientation courses.
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.
