News Broadcasting
Media Gateway acquires VOD distribution rights of A&E TV Networks across Middle East & North Africa
MUMBAI: Media Gateway, the international content clearing house for premium content has signed an agreement with AETN International, a division of A&E Television Networks, to distribute the company’s award-winning video on demand (VOD) programming from The History Channel, The Biography Channel and Crime and Investigation Network throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
Media Gateway will now be able to bring AETN International’s on-demand content to mobile operators, ISPs, telecommunications companies, cable operators, residential complexes, compounds, military bases and hotels across the region, informs an official release.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with AETN International, whose channels have received multiple prestigious awards and reach more than 220 million TV households worldwide. This agreement further illustrates our commitment to provide the very best content to operators in the region so they can deliver services that drive greater enjoyment and usage among their subscribers,” said Media Gateway Chief Executive Officer Karri Zaremba.
“Emerging media platforms – be it VOD, mobile, or broadband – are an important components in our international distribution strategy. Media Gateway is a leader in the delivery of broadcast media over digital platforms, and we are confident that with their expertise, people in the Middle East and North Africa will now have multiple access paths to our channels and programs,” said AETN International Vice President International Business Development and Digital Media Sean Cohan.
The History Channel, the international television network devoted to historical programming, features compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms.
The Biography Channel takes viewers into the world of fascinating people, from Hollywood stars to world leaders, artists, athletes and infamous villains. The network features programs that delve behind the scenes of the public lives of celebrities, revealing their private lives and exploring the ambition that drives them.
While the Crime and Investigation Network focuses on crime, investigation and mystery programming. The channel opens the door to crime labs, police archives and the justice system, providing viewers a behind-the-scenes look at criminal investigations, unexplained mysteries and the lives of infamous murderers and outlaws, adds the release.
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.
