News Broadcasting
PMO sets up panel to develop policy paper on radio, TV & digital tech
MNEW DELHI: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has set up a committee to develop a policy paper for radio, television and digital technology to be covered under the 11th Five-Year plan.
The high-profile panel’s first meeting will be held on 21 June. B.A.G Infotainment CEO and convener of Association of Radio Operators in India Rajiv Mishra and Times of India group’s AP Parigi are among the private sector nominees to the working group.
The following activities will be covered by the newly-constituted group:
# To suggest approaches for formulation of plans and programmes for radio and TV, keeping in view the emerging trends in technology, convergence issues, IP multimedia and IT-enabled media applications.
# To recommend measures for optimum expansion of transmission network of radio and TV through appropriate technologies to hitherto uncovered areas.
# To put in place the basic policy framework, fiscal incentives and workout a mission mode project for moving from analogue transmission to digital transmission before 2015.
# To develop a mission mode project for implementation mobile media solutions by establishing requisite infrastructure for transmission in, say, 700 MHz band in association with mobile service providers and technology partners.
# To identify excess spectrum and bandwidth arising through migration to digital transmission and work out strategies for its redeployment/farming.
# To assess the total investment required in hardware and to suggest measures to stimulate greater private investment in this sector.
The members of this group also include Prasar Bharati CEO, director-generals of Doordarshan and All India Radio, head of Broadcast Engineering Society of India Ltd, Planning Commission’s advisor of communication and information and IT software industry body Nasscom’s chairman Kiran Karnik.
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.
