News Broadcasting
Inmarsat becomes the first global sponsor of the World Rally Championship
Inmarsat Limited, the global mobile satellite communications company has signed a contract to become the first global sponsor of the World Rally Championship commencing next year. International Sportsworld Communicators (ISC) owns the TV and commercial rights to the World Rally Championship.
ISC has been specifically targeting Inmarsat for this sponsorship as it is anticipated that the company's groundbreaking satellite and technological capabilities will help develop new aspects of the live TV product. ISC's vision is to be a top five global sports content provider to broadcast media by 2005.
Inmarsat will be the WRC's exclusive global partner and will benefit from considerable branding opportunities during the course of the 14-race season. WRC gives Inmarsat a high profile and highly demanding showcase for the company's world-leading communications solutions such as Global Area Network, a high speed data solution used extensively in Afghanistan recently by broadcasters reporting the news through live satellite videophone.
Michael Butler managing director of Inmarsat Ltd. said, "We are extremely excited about this opportunity to work with the World Rally Championship, the most exciting and challenging sporting events in the world.
This sponsorship will have a significant impact on driving and indeed accelerating our brand awareness across our core enterprise markets, as well as providing a unique opportunity for our partners to participate with us and leverage off our title sponsorship.
We will also benefit from a comprehensive set of promotion rights both at all the individual Rallies and other marketing programmes, which will make this an extremely exciting opportunity for us."
The WRC runs from January to November and includes 14 races in four continents in Europe, Africa, South America and Asia Pacific and will be broadcast to over 186 different countries.
Inmarsat Ltd owns and operates a global satellite network and delivers its solutions through a global distribution network of approximately 200 distributors and other service providers operating in over 150 countries to end users in the maritime, land and aeronautical sectors.
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.
