News Broadcasting
NBA condemns attack on media in Ahmedabad
NEW DELHI: News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has condemned the attack on journalists and media persons who were covering the Ahmedabad bandh on 18 July. The bandh was called following the mysterious death of two boys residing in the ashram of religious guru Asaram Bapu.
NBA says, “With more than 15 journalists being seriously injured, channels like Aajtak, Times Now and TV 18’s OB vans and television equipments were damaged completely”.
NBA President and Aajtak CEO G Krishnan said that journalists and media workers provide a service that is essential for any democratic society and keep the public informed. There can be no acceptable reason for attacking the men and women who help make possible the fundamental right of freedom of expression. And preventing journalists from performing their duties are violations of the freedoms enshrined in and guaranteed by the Constitution.
Krishnan has further urged the Chief Minister and Home Minister of Gujarat to restore law and order to ensure that journalists are allowed to perform their duties in a free and fearless manner. He hoped that the state administration would take action to book the culprits and would display that no individual or individuals are beyond the law of the land.
The supporters of spiritual guru Asaram Bapu assaulted media persons at a press conference called by Asaram Bapu’s ashram. What triggered the attack were the unreciprocated questions over the deaths of two boys Dipesh Praful Vaghela (10), and his cousin Abhishek Shantilal Vaghela (11), whose bodies were found in the riverbed near the spiritual guru’s ashram on 6 July.
The ashram has been facing protests since then. In addition, several organisations had called for shutdown in Ahmedabad on 18 July to protest against the flawed investigation.
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.
