News Broadcasting
Jindal vs Zee Media: Jindal denied permission by NBSA
NEW DELHI: The News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) today denied the plea of steel magnate Naveen Jindal to amend the relief sought since the matters raised by him against Zee Media Corporation. The reason being that the matter was already pending before the Delhi High Court and the Election Commission of India.
It also said it would not be able to entertain the complaint.
NBSA chairperson justice R V Raveendran said, “It will not be appropriate to permit the complainant to amend the relief sought, to get over the bar contained under second provision to Regulation 7.2.”
However, the NBSA said, “If Jindal wants to file a complaint under the regulations, independent of the subject matter of the suit, it is open to him to take action as is permissible in law/in accordance with the regulations.”
The second proviso to Regulation 7.2 of the NBSA Regulations reads, “Provided that nothing in these regulations shall be deemed to empower the authority to hold an enquiry into any matter in respect of which any proceeding is pending in a court of law or other tribunal or statutory authority.”
Jindal, then Member of Parliament, had filed a complaint on 18 March 2014 to the Election Commission of India against Zee News, Zee Business and Zee News (UP) channels with regard to the contents of certain news broadcasts on 7 March, 10 March and 16 March. It sought a direction to Zee News and its associated channels not to air what he termed “false, defamatory, misleading news items against him and his company.”
The Election Commission of India forwarded the complaint to NBA on 20 March so that NBSA could consider the complaint and take such action as it deems appropriate. NBSA considered the complaint at its meeting on 21 March and decided to issue a notice to the broadcaster calling upon them to file its response. Both parties were also called for a hearing today. While Jindal was represented by lawyers, Zee Media (legal) vice president Sanjay Jain was present along with his lawyers at the hearing.
In its response of 8 April, Zee Media Corporation alleged that Jindal had filed a suit before the Delhi High Court on the very same allegations, seeking permanent and mandatory injunctions as also damages; that Jindal also moved for an application for temporary injunction; and that the application had been rejected on 1 April.
The broadcaster also contended that in view of Regulation 7.2, Jindal cannot pursue any remedy before NBSA when a suit is pending on the same issue.
The matter was heard on 1 May and the NBSA found that both the complaint and the suit are based on the same facts and grievances and the reliefs sought are also the same.
Jindal’s counsel submitted that the complaint was to the Commission and not to NBSA and he may be permitted to pursue it before the Commission.
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.
