News Broadcasting
Prasar Bharati’s grants-in-aid slashed marginally
NEW DELHI: In a surprising move, the grants-in-aid to Prasar Bharati, which manages India’s pubcasters Doordarshan and All India Radio, has been shaved off marginally, though the realisation by the organisation of previous year’s help had been more than 100 per cent.
In the budgetary proposals for financial year 2004-05, the government dole to Prasar Bharati stands at Rs 9.75 billion (975.26 crore), while last year it was Rs 10.06 million (1005.64 crore).
However, the slashing of the grant-in-aid has been seemingly offset by an increase in the plan outlay for Prasar Bharati to Rs 4,800 million for the current year from Rs. 4,150 million. This indicates that money has been sanctioned for some ongoing projects, as also expansion.
The grants-in-aid to Prasar Bharati is given by the governmenmt to cover the gap in resources of the organisation in meeting its revenue expenditure.
Loans extended to Prasar Bharati, also, has shown an increase to Rs 1.69 million (169.50 crore) from Rs 1.66 million (166 crore). The government loan is provided so that Prasar Bharati can meet its needs to finance capital expenditure.
However, the impact of today’s budgetary proposals on Doordarshan’s plans to start a KU-band DTH service could not be immediately ascertained as Prasar Bharati officials were not available for comments.
Meanwhile, the annual budgetary allocation for the information and broadcasting ministry has gone up marginally to Rs 15.14 million (1514.17 crore) from Rs 15.12 million (1512.12 crore).
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.
