News Broadcasting
NBA working out unified approach on DD Olympics footage issue
NEW DELHI: News broadcasters have begun deliberations informally to work out a common strategy to counter the letter received by them from Doordarshan regarding unauthorised use of footage relating to the Beijing Olympics, for which the public broadcaster has sole rights.
While private channels have to mandatorily share their signals relating to sports events involving India with Doordarshan under a Parliamentary act, there is no such provision for Doordarshan to share its content.
Sources in the public broadcaster confirmed in answer to a question by indiantelevision.com that it had informally been approached by some sports channels including ESPN and Zee Sports before the games began, but not by news channels.
The NBA has convened a meeting early next week, to frame a joint response to Prasar Bharti on the issue of payment for Olympic footage.
The sports editor of a news channel, who didn’t want to be named, said he did not expect anything to come out of the meeting as there was lack of unity among broadcasters.
Meanwhile, it is understood that some news channels have already agreed to pay the Rs 500 per second demanded by Doordarshan. However, Doordarshan has permitted free footage of up to one minute a day for purposes of news bulletins.
It is understood that Prasar Bharti is particularly irked by the fact that some news channels broadcast the entire inaugural ceremony live by using their own commentators without any prior agreement.
DD sources said that all news channels were being monitored and will be sent bills immediately after the games are over.
Sources in the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) said there would be a united approach to the whole issue, but refused to give details.
Though no official figures are available for the current Olympics, the public broadcaster’s rates for the 2004 Olympics had been – after an initial high figure – $ 5,000 for up to five hours of footage during the entire games; $ 4,000 for five hours to 25 hours; and $ 3,000 for more than 25 hours.
The News Access Rules set by DD which was sent out to all networks in India at that time stipulated “The duration of Olympic material used in any one programme should not exceed a total of two minutes. The duration of any one particular Olympic event shall not exceed 30 seconds’.
However, some satellite channels had later exceeded this time and had also agreed after much argument to pay wherever they exceeded the guidelines.
According to DD deputy director general – sports Ashok Jailkhani, few channels approached DD, and anyone wanting to use the signals is required to come to an agreement to use the rights as DD has spent a huge amount to buy the rights.
DD was therefore keeping a close watch on the situation as the signals were being used though no news channel had approached the broadcaster.
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.
