News Broadcasting
N-E TV producers protest non-payment of dues by Doordarshan
GUWAHATI: Producers in India’s northeast commissioned by the state-run Doordarshan television channel held a protest rally Wednesday seeking immediate payment of dues totalling Rs 2.6 billion.
“More than 500 producers belonging to the region have not been paid their dues despite submitting their programmes and completing other formalities,” a spokesman of the Northeast Television Producers Guild said.
The demonstrators handed over a memorandum to a senior Doordarshan official in Guwahati.
The spokesman said the ministry of information and broadcasting had commissioned private producers to make several documentaries aimed at projecting the region notorious for insurgency in a positive light.
“The money for the commissioned programme was part of the prime minister’s special package for the northeast and even after completion of programmes, New Delhi is not clearing the payments,” the spokesman said.
“This is against the very essence of the exclusive package. For the people of the region, you need to fight and shout for everything, including your dues,” he added.
Doordarshan authorities here say they are yet to get the funds from New Delhi, and hence the delay.
“We are paying high rates of interest for bank guarantees required by us to acquire the commissioned programmes. Non-payment of our dues by Doordarshan is adding to our woes,” complained M. Das, a young producer.
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.
