News Broadcasting
Narayana Murthy among 4 inducted on NDTV board
NEW DELHI: Dr Prannoy Roy’s New Delhi Television Limited has inducted some new faces on its board as independent members. The noted names among these are Infosys chairman and chief mentor NR Narayana Murthy and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) director general Tarun Das
Also inducted to the board are former chairman of Price Waterhouse Coopers Amal Ganguli and Seagull Foundation for the Arts Peaceworks Programme co-ordinator Indrani Roy.
NDTV has also received the listing and trading approval from BSE and NSE and its shares are expected to start trading from tomorrow (May 18).
NDTV’s public issue, which began from 21 April, was aimed at raising Rs 1090 million by offering shares of Rs 4 face value in a price band of Rs 63-70. The stated aim of the IPO is for working capital requirements and to repay Rs 380 million debt. At least 60 per cent of the issue will be allocated on discretionary basis to qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), not less than 15 per cent to non-institutional buyers and the remaining 25 per cent for retail bidders.
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.
