News Broadcasting
Mel Gibson to produce comedy pilot for ABC
CALIFORNIA: Icon Productions and Universal Network Television will make a comedy pilot at ABC. It will be executive produced by Oscar winning actor and director Mel ‘Braveheart ‘Gibson, his producing partner, Icon president Bruce Davey and series creators Julie Thacker and Mike Scully.
The half-hour comedy series is about a blue-collar single father who is raising five boys aged 13-17 on his own. Thacker and Scully will serve as executive producers and writers/show runners.
Universal Television Productions president David Kissinger says, “It is not everyday that Gibson comes by to pitch a television series. Gibson, Suclly and Thacker have come up with a hilarious show that portrays the rough, tumble and noisy truth about raising boys.
“It is a perfect fit with the smart, contemporary family sitcoms that are ABC’s hallmark. We couldn’t be more excited about being in business with these wonderful writers and the extraordinary team at Icon. As a father of six boys, Gibson himself will be an endless source of material.”
Founded by Gibson and Davey, Icon Productions has been responsible for feature films like Braveheart, Payback, Maverick, What Women Want, We Were Soldiers, The Singing Detective and the upcoming The Passion of The Christ. The last title has generated a storm of controversy.
For television, Icon executive produced the movies The Three Stooges for ABC and Invincible for TBS, and currently also has projects in development at NBC, CBS, UPN, TNT and USA.
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.
