News Broadcasting
NDTV seeks uplink permission for 4th news channel
MUMBAI: The big fight in the news space is about to become even bigger. The Prannoy Roy-promoted New Delhi Television (NDTV) Ltd has announced its intentions to launch a fourth news channel.
The big question of course is just what will this channel entail? Indiantelevision.com put the question to NDTV Ltd director Narayan Rao but he would offer nothing in addition to the posting put out today on the Bombay Stock Exchange (on the NSE as well) that stated: “New Delhi Television (NDTV) Ltd has informed BSE that an application has been made to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on May 16, 2005 for permission to uplink Company’s 4th Channel i.e. a News Channel.”
A government offcial in the evening confirmed the move in Delhi, saying that since the proposal was sent in yesterday, it’d be too early to give a time frame for its clearance.
“Though we don’t see any problem in NDTV seeking an uplink permission for another channel, the procedure may take its own time,” the official added. On a fast track basis, such a proposal can be processed in 15 days time or could also take up to three months time.
As regards the fourth channel from the NDTV stable, the buzz doing the rounds currently is that it is likely to cover infotainment and news – as in a high dose of lifestyle driven programming (a la Discovery), news and current affairs.
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.
