News Broadcasting
NDTV India’s Bajpayee switches back to Aaj Tak
NEW DELHI: Didn’t we tell you that country’s “sab se tez” news channel is poaching and with a vengeance too?
Apart from at least three persons from Doordarshan News re-joining Aaj Tak this month, a big catch is Punya Prasoon Bajpayee, who does a homecoming after spending less than a year in NDTV India, the Hindi news channel from the NDTV stable.
Punya Prasoon Bajpayee: Return of the prodigal
According to information available with indiantelevision.com, Bajpayee, considered one of the bright faces of Hindi language television, has already rejoined Aaj Tak, of course at a better pay package.
But, more importantly, this is something that bucks the trend that was synonymous with NDTV — very few leave the company as not only the HR policies were considered good, but the loyalty factor too was high. Working with the likes of Prannoy Roy can be a high in itself.
The market buzz is that apart from Bajpayee, there are several others from NDTV and Star News who have sent feelers to the Aaj Tak management on possibilities of returning. As an Aaj Tak source confirms, “The company does get feelers from many people and for most old timers the doors are still open.”
Bajpayee, along with the likes of Naghma and Sikta Deb, had followed Dibang to NDTV India when Roy broke with Star News and turned NDTV into a broadcaster with two channels last year.
However, sources in Aaj Tak also point out that after Bajpayee’s homecoming, a short break may follow — till the general elections are over— before the gates are thrown open again.
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.
