News Broadcasting
iTV Network launches regional channel India News Gujarat
MUMBAI: News broadcaster iTV Network has expanded further into the regional news space with the launch of a dedicated channel for Gujarat – India News Gujarat on 4 December 2017.
The channel being formally inaugurated in Gandhinagar, India News Gujarat will seek answers to burning questions and highlight matters that concern Gujaratis across the globe.
iTV Network’s existing regional channel offering includes India News Haryana, India News Uttar Pradesh-Uttarakhand, India News Rajasthan, India News Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh and India News Punjab, which reiterate the network’s strong foothold in the regional news market.
The channel will focus on well-researched, high-impact content aimed at striking a true chord that captures the imagination of the Gujarati community. The channel will maintain brand India News’ emphasis on current subjects, concerns and trends with entertainment elements thrown in an infotainment platter aimed at accentuating the uniqueness of Gujaratis.
Being launched ahead of the highly-anticipated Gujarat Elections, 2017, the Gujarat Debate will be a programme to watch out for.
Speaking about the new venture, iTV Network founder and promoter Kartikeya Sharma, said, “Regional and local concerns often get subsumed in national broadcasting formats. We strongly believe regional programming must be given the due space and promotion it deserves. The launch of India News Gujarat is our response to the need for credible providers of regional news services in the state. Gujarat is a vibrant, development-oriented state and our new channel seeks to capture its diversity and plurality in the inimitable India News format, characterised by crisp reportage and engaging presentation.”
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.
