News Broadcasting
Prasad lures entertainment sector with promised incentives
MUMBAI: A memorandum of understanding with Pakistan, ‘not just on commerce, but also on creativity’ may turn out to be the most positive outcome of the three day Ficci Frames convention that kicked off in Mumbai this morning.
“I extend my hand of friendship and appeal for a MoU of love to the delegation from Pakistan,” information and broadcasting minister R S Prasad declared to rousing approval from an audience, which had otherwise slipped into a mood of near ennui at the bland inaugural session of the convention on the entertainment industry in India. Rajya Sabha MP Hema Malini and film star Preity Zinta were the only glamour faces on the podium, among a series of speeches where the ‘India Shining’ factor figured intermittently in references to the growing and glowing Hindi film industry.
Prasad, however, also cryptically hinted at a major policy change in the radio broadcast sector, when he said that “we are going to be the facilitator in the fast growing segment,” and that “we are moving in the right direction” (possibly towards a more feasible revenue sharing model).
UK secretary of state, department of culture, media and sports Tessa Jowell stressed on cooperation between the two countries, not just in the areas of film production, but also distribution and decried the growing invasion of piracy that is eating into legitimate revenues for the entertainment sector. While Prasad pointed out that most of the pirated content is one that originates from the sub continent, Jowell invited Indian companies to take advantage of the liberalised policy on broadcast licenses in the UK.
Prasad also hinted at more incentives for the entertainment sector if the NDA government returns to power, saying that since the procedures for film shooting were liberalised in India last year, the number of applications from overseas productions has shot up from 15 every year to 10 applications in just two and half months from the beginning of 2004.
Both Ashok Amritraj, tennis ace turned Hollywood film producer and Prasad stressed on the need for developing better screenplays as on the importance of high technology in films and TV software.
Walt Disney International exploring possibility of a channel in India
Walt Disney International president Andy Bird met Prasad here today and expessed a keen interest in investing in the entertainment sector in India. Prasad was told that the Walt Disney company was exploring the possibility of a channel and would be meeting the key players in the animation sector during the three day Frames 2004 conference in Mumbai.
Bird told Prasad that his company saw clarity on policy issues, especially during the last two years, and that he saw good promise for investment in this sector. The possibility of a collaborative arrangement in programming with the Akashvani was also discussed. The two men also discussed the several policy initiatives taken by the government to liberalise the entertainment sector and attract foreign investment.
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.
