News Broadcasting
Mediacast takes place in London next month
MUMBAI: Mediacast, the European exhibition and conference for Global Content Everywhere business and technology takes place from 10-15 May 2005 in London.
The conference will focus on the technology and business of content delivery across multiple platforms (cable, satellite, terrestrial, DSL and mobile) to multiple devices.
The conference programme involves senior people with high level operational experience in broadcasting, network operation and telco TV, as well as key players from technology vendors and service providers. The speakers include BBC New Media and technology director Ashley Highfield, BBCi 24/7 controller Rahul Chakkura, BSkyB director new product development and sales Brian Sullivan and EchoStar VP Ben van den Broek
Mediacast exhibition director Amanda Strange says, “Unlike conferences that charge up to £1,200 for involvement, the Mediacast conference is a free event designed to encourage and promote the sharing of information amongst the world’s top international operators, technology suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, content providers, installers and retailers. The new era of content delivery and expenditure in the next 10 years will be unlike anything we have seen before.
“The need to move, manage, secure and monetise television and on-demand video services has moved beyond getting TV channels to screens in our living rooms. The battle is on to retain and attract subscribers and increase average revenue per user. Today we are at the dawning of the Content Everywhere Era, where consumers have a massive choice of content and are able to view and experience that content anywhere, anytime. Mediacast will provide an ideal forum for visitors, exhibitors and speakers to share their experiences and explore the technologies and business models that will drive this new era.”
Mediacast also provides the industry with an opportunity to see the latest products and interactive solutions that will drive the digital on-demand future. It aims at addressing important industry debates including: Content everywhere; Interactive entertainment; Telco network evolution; Launching and managing TV channels; HDTV business models; Digital video technologies; Digital TV challenges; Home networking and mobile media.
Mediacast is organised by Reed Exhibitions. Reed Exhibitions claims to be the world’s largest exhibition organiser bringing together 156,000 suppliers and over nine million buyers from around the world. In addition to leading trade exhibitions, the Reed IT portfolio incorporates flagship Industry magazines and high-end independent research and analysis.
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.
