News Broadcasting
NDTV India appoints Sameer Kapoor as CEO
NEW DELHI: NDTV India has appointed Sameer Kapoor as its chief executive officer. He moves in from Metro Now, a daily tabloid run by a 50:50 joint venture between The Times of India and HT Media Ltd, where he was serving as the president.
Taking charge of the newly created post, Kapoor’s main task will be to up the ratings of the Hindi news channel in a space that has largely taken the tabloid route.
Says Kapoor, “As the CEO, my task will be to drive the business of the channel and maintain its credibility in the market.”
When quizzed about the change in positioning that the channel would see after his appointment, Kapoor replied, “It’s too early to comment on the changes that would take place. We would take a 360 degree view of the scenario and figure out a strategy that would suit the business and help drive further growth.”
While Hindi news channels have often been under the glare of Information and Broadcasting ministry due to the kind of content being aired, it seems Kapoor has a different feeling towards NDTV India.
“We are the best news channel. We are the only news channel that shows news whereas other news channels are showing ‘Tamsaha’ in the face of news.”
Kapoor had been with Metro Now since its inception in September 2006. Apart form the daily tabloid, he has also worked in various marketing positions with consumer durable companies such as Ray-Ban, Whirlpool and Carrier.
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.
