News Broadcasting
NDS gets two BAFTA nominations
HOLLAND: NDS, the technology company from the News Corp stable, has been nominated for two BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards.
The first nomination is for the Interactive TV category where NDS, as the developer, has been nominated along with MTV UK, the publisher, for the programme MTV Ad-Break Tennis. In this category, NDS and MTV are up against BBCi 24/7 Interactive TV Services, Big Brother 3 and Who Wants to be a Millionaire Interactive. The second nomination is for Enhancement of Linear Media where NDS and MTV have again been nominated for MTV Ad-Break Tennis
Ad-Break Tennis is an interactive tennis game powered by NDS iTV technology that can be played from the comfort of the living room. It was initially played over the top of TV advertising shown during breaks in Wimbledon 2002 to increase viewer ratings and reduce channel surfing during this prime international tennis tournament.
An oficial release informs that Ad-Break tennis is based on the 1980s arcade classic Pong. This is the first time interactive gaming has been used during a television advertising break. NDS claims to have taken a lead in implementing digital technology to benefit advertisers by reducing channel surfing and keeping the MTV-generation tuned in for longer as they will engage with the iTV application.
To move the virtual rackets, Ad-Break Tennis players use the remote control arrow keys. An on-screen scoreboard will register points. It will retain the score for as long as the viewer remains with the channel, so players can carry a match through successive commercial breaks. Ad-Break Tennis builds on MTVs previous iTV successes the MTV Eruope Music Awards and MTV Hits Interactive which have helped to increase the channels overall ratings by 50 per cent. MTV is now rolling out its full 24/7 enhanced TV service in conjunction with NDS and has ambitious plans for t-commerce and creative interactive sponsorship opportunities this year.
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.
