News Broadcasting
NDTV channels to air I-Day mega show with Aamir – tribute to Kargil soldiers
MUMBAI: Bollywood biggie Aamir Khan is the star attraction for an exclusive Independence Day show Jai Jawan that will be telecast on NDTV 24×7 and NDTV India on 15 August.
The Independence Day special on the sibling news channels doffs its cap to the Hollywood tradition of stars visiting American troops in far flung regions to boost their morale. NDTV promoter Dr Prannoy Roy thought of the idea and approached Aamir six months ago, say informed sources.
Bollywood Superstar Aamir Khan has done a Lagaan for the soldiers in Kargil.
The two-hour show, which has Aamir teaming up with NDTV news anchor and presenter Barkha Dutt, was shot over five days in the Himalayan heights of the Dras and Kargil sectors on the Pakistan border.
A highlight of the Independence Day event is a cricket match a la Aamir’s celebrated film Lagaan and a full-scale live entertainment show by the star to a gathering of soldiers from units all over Kargil.
The cricket match was held at Mogulpura in Kargil – at a height of 11,000 feet. Aamir leads a team of soldiers – the Lagaan XI against the officers – the Ladakh Scouts team. And for the winners – bats autographed by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and the actor himself.
During Aamir’s five days in Kargil, he mixed freely with the soldiers, exchanging anecdotes and bringing them surprise gifts and video messages from their families, informed sources say.
Aamir’s visit involved interaction with the soldiers in their daily routines, sharing early breakfast and a night in a bunker at the barracks of a regular unit at the front.
Bollywood stars meeting the troops at the frontlines is not a first. The likes of Nana Patekar (in particular), Suneil Shetty, Raveena Tandon and Shilpa Shetty have done it before, but never on this scale.
The ratings the Jai Jawan show garners will be worth tracking, for this is the kind of show that could have as well been pitched on a mainstream entertainment channel. Whatever it delivers on the ratings scale, there is no denying that this is a one-of-a-kind event and a first for Indian television.
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.
