News Broadcasting
LinOpinion enters into JV with leading international PR firm, GolinHarris
MUMBAI: LinOpinion – the PR division of Lowe Lintas & Partners India and GolinHarris have jointly announced their coming together under a joint venture (JV) agreement, intended to bring clients into India’s new integrated communications services with a focus on providing the deepest insights, the boldest ideas and the broadest engagement across both traditional and digital channels. Under the agreement each partner has an equal stake and the entity will now be known as LinOpinion-GolinHarris.
Lowe Lintas & Partners CEO Joseph George said “LinOpinion, with its large portfolio of blue-chip clients, is one of the fastest growing business units within Lowe Lintas & Partners India. And GolinHarris, a company that has revolutionised the way PR agencies work world over. While I am very excited with our mutual obsession with building brands, I am also convinced that their inputs, influence and involvement will not just help us scale up our operations in India, but also transform our PR offering to be more differentiated and better placed to respond to the ever evolving media environment and engagement dynamics.”
“We have enormous respect and admiration for LinOpinion and the Lowe Lintas & Partners Group. Their current client portfolio and professional staff are best-in-class. This partnership will formalise our long association with them and will take things to the next level,” said GolinHarris CEO Fred Cook.
“The timing could not be better as PR is evolving and so is the communications market in India. I believe there is great potential hereand I look forward to helping expand the range of services we will offer our clients in India through our award-winning technology, training and talent.” added GolinHarris president Jonathan Hughes.
“LinOpinion has had an excellent run so far. But the market is evolving and clients are ready for something new. We have restructured our service model and have made significant investments to strengthen the team with vertical heads. We are very excited to partner with GolinHarris. The LinOpinion-Golin Harris JV will offer our existing clients and new prospects a differentiated service, with a greater focus on quality and measurable results. We intend to scale this business significantly in the next few years.” said Lowe Lintas & Partners executive director Ameer Ismail.
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.
