News Broadcasting
Manipal Group plans major expansion drive – to invest Rs 3 billion in various activities
Karnataka based Manipal Group, which is worth Rs 20 billion, is planning a major expansion drive and is looking at an IPO worth Rs 3 billion to fund its expansion activities. The company is expected to come out with the IPO by June this year.
Half of the amount raised by IPO will go towards funding its media ventures while rest will be for housing and infotech.
The group plans to launch a 24-hour Kannada entertainment channel in the next six months. The channel will be called ‘Tarang TV’. An educational channel and a regional news channel are also in the offing in a year’s time. Tarang TV will have 12 hours of original programming. The channel is also looking at foreign partners to provide content for the kid’s slot which will be aired on it. The channel will be beamed off AsiaSat-3. An animation studio will also be set up in Banglore.
Apart from this the Manipal Group is also looking at introducing new women’s magazine. The magazine is expected to be launched within 3 months time.
Manipal Group will also be making its foray into the Internet with a women’s portal called shesindia.com. The site, which will be launched in 45 days, will generate revenues from advertising, sponsorships and ecommerce.
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.
