News Broadcasting
Pranav Bakshi takes charge as chief growth officer for Network18 Connected
MUMBAI: Network18’s next big digital leap has a new commander. Pranav Bakshi, the veteran media strategist, has been elevated to chief growth officer at Network18 Connected, the digital-forward vertical of Network18 Media & Investments Limited. The announcement was made public via LinkedIn on 20 May 2025.
This isn’t just a title change — it’s a pivot that reflects Network18’s ambitions to expand aggressively across connected TV, social platforms, digital distribution, and new-age partnerships. Bakshi, with a career spanning over two decades, will now be steering growth, product, revenue, and content innovation across a portfolio that includes CNN-News18, CNBC-TV18, News18 India, Moneycontrol, Firstpost, History TV18, and more.
“I’m excited to step into the role of chief growth officer – Network18 Connected. This isn’t just a title change — it’s an opportunity to lead the growth and transformation of content and content consumption across platforms that are shaping how audiences engage today: Connected TV, social ecosystems, and strategic digital partnerships”, Bakshi said. “The vision is clear: create impact where audiences are headed, not where they’ve been”.
Bakshi previously led Network18’s digital video strategy and partnerships division. From spearheading digital video transformation across 45+ brands to building early off-platform momentum, he has been instrumental in crafting the network’s modern media engine. His earlier stints include leadership roles at Times Network and NDTV, where he handled P&L, content innovation, and revenue transformation.
A recipient of the Chairman’s Excellence Award at Times Network, Bakshi has consistently worked at the intersection of content, business and emerging tech. At Network18, his new mandate includes expanding presence in international markets, growing CTV viewership, and driving monetisation across social and connected ecosystems.
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.
