News Broadcasting
Prasar Bharati threatens legal action against defaulting producers
MUMBAI: Prasar Bharati is likely to initiate legal proceedings against defaulting production houses, which owe it dues amounting to nearly Rs 1450 million.
Prasar Bharati CEO K S Sarma said on Wednesday that the defaulters, who have so far been issued show cause notices in vain, could have winding up proceedings initiated against them, which would be followed by litigation. Production houses which may opt for the arbitration route after that will have to contend with a strict Prasar Bharati, Sarma said.
National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) leads the defaulters list, with dues of Rs 480 million. The corporation however, recently paid up Rs 200 million of its pending dues and interest thereon. Among the 45 to 50 defaulters, 10 defaulting production houses owe the pubcaster dues of more than Rs 50 million. Among the prominent names in the list are Dheeraj Kumar’s Creative Eye and Sanjay Khan’s Numero Uno Productions. Several others, like Ramanand Sagar, have offered software in lieu of payment, but Sarma says software potential evaluation is difficult in monetary terms. After waiting for nearly four years, the pubcaster has now decided to go the legal way, although Sarma says he would like to maintain amicable relations with the production houses as several of them have created valuable software for DD in the past.
Henceforth, all the defaulters would be dealt with by DD on an advance payment basis. The production houses would have to issue post dated cheques to DD and bank guarantees to ensure that they do not default on payment, he said.
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.
