News Broadcasting
India’s first transgender TV news anchor
MUMBAI: Five months after the Supreme Court ruled that transgender people will be recognised as a legal third gender, a television news station has recruited the country’s first transgender news anchor.
Working at Lotus News in Tamil Nadu, Padmini Prakash, first anchored on this Independence Day. Before joining the channel Prakash worked as a dancer as well as acted in Tamil soap operas.
Prakash told the Times of India that she had faced a lot of discrimination throughout her life, including being disowned by her family.
According to media reports, a month after she started, Padmini has become the face of the Coimbatore-based Lotus News Channel’s daily 7pm special bulletin.
The apex court said the transgender would be allowed admission to educational institutions and given employment on the basis that they belonged to the third gender category. They would be considered as OBCs, the judgment said.
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.
