News Broadcasting
NBA president Rajat Sharma to meet Arun Jaitley, soon
MUMBAI: A few months into the Narendra Modi government and Prakash Javadekar taking charge as the Minister of State (independent charge) of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, a reshuffle has now put Arun Jaitley in charge of the department, in addition to Finance and Corporate Affairs with the MoS charge being given to Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
While Jaitley is someone who has knowledge of the ministry, Rathore is yet to understand the nitty-gritty of it. News Broadcasters Association (NBA) president Rajat Sharma is optimistic about Jaitley handling the portfolio. “NBA welcomes the appointment of Arun Jaitley as I&B Minister. He has a great understanding of the challenges faced and ahead of the broadcasters and I hope that he will play a proactive role in resolving the issues,” he says.
Jaitley has been an advisor to broadcasters in the past and is aware of issues they face such as carriage fees, ad cap, digitisation etc. “The NBA delegation will be meeting Mr Jaitley soon to discuss industry problems,” he adds.
Sharma had earlier mentioned while speaking at indiantelevision.com’s 7th Indian News Television Summit that the NBA would be meeting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar and the Home Minister Rajnath Singh to place before them, concerns of the news television industry.
Sharma says that it feels good to have ‘industry’s friend’ as a minister of the department.
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.
