News Broadcasting
Prashant Sanwal appointed head of Zee’s Alpha channels
More on executive movements in television land. Prashant Sanwal, former vice-president SET MAX, and till recently one of the four directors on the as yet stillborn MAK (Manoranjan, Aur Kya) Network, has joined Subhash Chandra’s Zee Group.
Sanwal took charge yesterday as director of all Zee’s regional language Alpha channels and will report to Sandeep Goyal, group broadcasting CEO, Zee Telefilms Ltd (ZTL).
Zee has said that it will be devoting a greater focus on the Alpha channels and Sanwal’s appointment indicates just that. Sanwal will be looking at the Alpha channels from both a programming and marketing perspective, it is learnt.
Sanwal’s appointment comes in tandem with ZTL’s announcement yesterday that it has been given approval by the information and broadcasting ministry to uplink four additional channels directly from India. These channels are Kaveri (Kannada), Bharati (Tamil), Alpha Krishna and Alpha Urdu. It needs noting that while Zee has secured uplinking permission for Alpha Krishna (Telugu?) and Alpha Urdu, no such channels exist as yet on the Alpha platform.
“In three to four-months’ time we will be re-launching the current Bharathi and Kaveri channels as Alpha Tamil and Alpha Kannada which will soon go off-air for the make-over,” Goyal was quoted as saying in an official release yesterday. Currently there are four Alpha channels – Gujarati, Marathi, Bangla and Punjabi.
“We will also in due course examine the launch of Alpha Telugu and will evaluate our options in the Urdu space,” Goyal was quoted as saying.
With the I&B ministry’s clearance, ZTL has received permission to uplink 10 channels from India through the teleport of Essel Shyam Communication Ltd at Noida.
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.
