News Broadcasting
India Today to screen ‘Others’ by Pradeep Sarkar at transgender akhara in Ujjain Kumbh
MUMBAI: Pradeep Sarkar will screen his short film Others at the first Kinnar Akhara at the ongoing Ujjain Kumbh. The film will be screened among the transgender community present at a special event organised by India Today TV. The film is part of the initiative #indiatomorrow launched by the India Today Group.
The award winning Bollywood director and ad filmmaker made the film as his expression of #indiatomorrow where there is equality and inclusion for all. The film along with a few other short films by ace directors was premiered recently at the India Today Conclave to mark 40 years of India Today.
The director of hits like Parineeta and Mardaani, Sarkar hopes that India Tomorrow will bring about change for the better with the acceptability of all in society. He delves into this subject in his short film that is inspired by a life changing real story.
Speaking on the film, India Today group CEO Ashish Bagga said, “India Today is paving the way for a better #indiatomorrow and this film by Pradeep Sarkar is a radical step in this direction. The film has already created quite a stir and this initiative to screen it at the Kinnar Akhada is another step towards our vision”.
Sarkar added, “I am delighted to screen the film at the Ujjain Kumbh Mela and especially amongst the transgender pilgrims. I really hope that the film will bring about a movement towards a better tomorrow”’.
The launch of the film in the midst of the religious confluence of humanity is noteworthy as it is expected to send a message of hope and change. The unique storytelling style in this short mobile format film has already started a movement across mobile, digital and the television medium.
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.
