News Broadcasting
Pakistan’s first business news channel to launch in July
MUMBAI: Pakistan will soon see the launch of it’s first satellite based 24-hour business news channel – Business Plus. Local and international business news, with a special focus on South Asia and the Middle East regions, is the channel’s stated areas of coverage. Business Plus, which is scheduled to launch in the first week of July, will be headed by Fazeel Asif Jah.
Business Plus will operate under Total Media Limited, which is a venture promoted Pakistani telecom major WorldCall Telecommunications Group Ltd. WorldCall has only recently entered the media arena and has plans to launch two to three other channels besides Business Plus, Asif Jah told indiantelevision.com over the phone from Pakistan. $ 3 million is the initial investment being pumped into Business Plus, Asif Jah said.
The company’s BoD comprises WorldCall, Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company Pvt. Ltd, DDP Gulf Promo Action chairman and CEO Najam Mahmood Khawaja and Lahore Stock Exchange chairman Syed Asim Zaffar.
The channel will be uplinked from Pak Sat 1 and will offer a comprehensive coverage of Pakistan’s financial markets, corporations, small and medium enterprises, investment opportunities and will also focus on the professionals who are taking Pakistani businesses to new heights, says Asif Jah. Other Pakistani channels that are also uplinked from Pak Sat 1 are VU1, VU2 and Mashraq TV.
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.
