News Broadcasting
Pak delegation to take part in Ficci Frames 2004
MUMBAI: An official Pakistani entertainment industry delegation is slated to visit India to participate in Ficci Frames 2004.
The delegation includes the Pakistan Film Producers Association chairman, prominent filmmakers (producers and directors) and famous artistes and technicians.
According to industry sources, Pakistan’s participation in Frames 2004 is aimed at discussing a broader range of media collaborations between the entertainment industries of the two countries.
Apart from a session of ‘India & Pakistan: A New Era of Cooperation in Entertainment Industry’ at Frames 2004, the delegation is also scheduled to hold joint press conferences with Ficci to chart out and highlight the roadmap for future exchanges and cooperation in the entertainment industry. The delegation would also be visiting film studios to get a first-hand experience of the Indian film industry.
The delegation’s India visit could well be the first step in developing a legitimate channel for the highly popular Indian films in Pakistan. There was a time when Indian films like Awara, Aan, Andaaz, Anarkali and Dupatta ran to packed houses in Pakistan for 50 plus weeks.
At present, there is a legal ban in Pakistan on importing media content from India. But that has led to rampant piracy and in any case, the ban is not practically effective courtesy pirated videos and to some extent the internet.
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.
