News Broadcasting
NDTV seeks uplink OK for business news channel
MUMBAI: The “dry run” has proved a success. Now Dr Prannoy Roy’s New Delhi Television Ltd is plunging the whole hog into the business news space. NDTV today made an application to the information and broadcasting ministry for uplinking permission for a business news channel.
Attempts by indiantelevision.com to contact senior executives in NDTV regarding the developments proved futile till the time of filing this report. However, industry sources aver that NDTV’s business channel is expected to start beaming within the next three to six months.
While speculation has been rife in the industry for a while now that NDTV was seriously considering launching a business news channel, what might well have clinched the issue is the success NDTV 24×7’s new programming initiative “9-4 Business & News” has enjoyed. With “9-4 Business & News”, almost the whole day part of NDTV 24×7 is devoted to business related news and talk shows. With the rave response that this slot got, NDTV 24×7 asserts it is now neck and neck with market leader CNBC -TV18.
Information available with indiantelevision.com indicates that the NDTV business channel’s differentiating pitch will be that it covers a far wider canvas than the focus on stock markets that CNBC-TV18 is still perceived as having.
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.
