News Broadcasting
Nepal lifts ban on Indian news channels
MUMBAI: The Nepalese government has lifted the ban on Indian news channels. The government took the decision in a cabinet meeting held on 8 June and the order was activated on 12 June.
Following the order, cable networks have now switched on news channels including Aaj Tak, Star News and Zee News.
The ban was imposed after the 1 February royal takeover by King Gyanendra. Apart from firing the government, the King had suspended civil liberties, blocked the country’s communication systems including internet and telephone and barred cable operators from airing Indian news channels. But the ban hadn’t affected international news channels including the BBC and CNN.
The King had justified his action by stating that the move was to crush an anti-monarchy Maoist revolt which has claimed almost 12,000 lives since 1996. Though India had appealed King Gyanendra to re-consider his decision earlier, it dropped the demand during a meeting between the King and prime minister Manmohan Singh in Jakarta in April.
Though the Nepal government’s decision comes as a relief for Indian news channels, another neighboring country Bhutan is still continuing its apathy towards Indian media. Last month, the Bhutan government had blocked some of the Indian news and regional channels on grounds that they have a “bad social and cultural” influence on its citizens. Networks including Aaj Tak and Sun are affected by the ban.
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.
