News Broadcasting
News18 Bangla’s flagship show ‘Soja Sapta’ to host Mega Debate on May 31
Mumbai: News18 Bangla is thrilled to announce a special debate session named ‘Soja Sapta-Mega Debate’ under the banner of its flagship show ‘Soja Sapta.’ The channel’s most popular debate show ‘Soja Sapta’, marks its fifth year of broadcast. It continues to gain popularity among viewers for its fearless coverage of various aspects of our society.
The ‘Soja Sapta – Mega Debate’ will be hosted by News18 Network’s editor east Biswa Majumdar, and will feature renowned politicians from various backgrounds. ‘Soja Sapta’, which translates to ‘Straight Forward’ in English, aptly captures the show’s direct and candid approach. This unique debate show addresses the concerns and challenges faced by the common man, ensuring their voices are heard by politicians and policymakers. The debate will serve as a platform for policymakers, opinion leaders, and prominent voices to engage in thoughtful conversations, alongside Bengal’s most trusted news team.
The mega debate will highlight a thought-provoking exchange of ideas, aiming to foster critical thinking within the audience. The show will focus on the quality of discourse, ensuring that viewers receive informed conversations and well-considered opinions on the issues that matter most to them as well as the country.
Presenting sponsors for the event are Meghbela Broadband- Banglar Ghore Ghore, Emami- “Healthy & Tasty -Kacchi Ghani Shorsher Tel, Skipper Pipes – India’s Safest Pipes. The event is powered by Reliance Industries Ltd. Special partners are International Institute of Hotel Management, JIS Group Educational Initiatives, Bengal Tiles- Ab Ghar banana Baccho Ka Khel Hai. Narayan Memorial Hospital- Behala is the health partner, real estate partner is Merlin Group, Bharati Diagnostic Centre is the associate partner.
Tune into News18 Bangla on 31 May at 7:00 pm to witness the Soja Sapta – Mega Debate.
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.
