News Broadcasting
NDS, Foxtel ventures into digital subscription in Australia
MUMBAI: Foxtel announced launch of digital subscription TV platform in Australia with NDS technology.
NDS group plc, a News Corporation company and provider of technology solutions for digital subscription TV, announced its successful completion of the first phase of systems integration for Foxtel Digital.
Foxtel, Australia’s leading subscription television provider launched its revolutionary digital TV service, Foxtel Digital, on 14 March 2004 which offers consumers a totally new television experience with an unparallel choice of more than 130 digital channels and services.
“During the preparation for Foxtel Digital, we conducted a global search for technology that could meet the unique requirements of the Foxtel Digital platform. We selected NDS because Video guard conditional access technology met our technical needs and also supports a variety of business models”, says Foxtel Director of Digital Patrick Delany.
The digital launch includes ambitious plans to upgrade set-top boxes currently deployed by Foxtel to NDS Video Guard conditional access which will enable existing Foxtel subscribers to enjoy the new extensive digital offering without replacement of the set-top boxes.
NDS General Manager Australia and New Zealand Peter Iles said, “The combination of cable and satellite technologies coupled with the existing Foxtel service presented some unique challenges”.
He further said, “Proven NDS technologies helped ensure fast time-to-market and provided the platform to launch Foxtel Digital”.
The NDS electronic program guide (EPG) provides Foxtel Digital with innovative search and allows subscribers to view programs by time, genre and sub genre for a full seven days in advance. But the advanced EPG will also provide a synopsis of each program together with classification and parental control and gives viewers an easy way to navigate around Foxtel Digital, providing on-screen reminders when their favourite programs are due to start.
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.
