News Broadcasting
Prime accused in stamp paper scam funded TV serials, movies
MUMBAI:The film industry has long been dogged by allegations of the involvement of underworld money in many of its dealings. Now shady money appears to have spread its tentacles into television as well.
The Pune police said yesterday that the kingpin in the multi-million rupee stamp paper racket unearthed recently, Abbul Karim Telgi, has pumped money in some television serials along with big banner Bollywood films, the Press Trust of India has reported.
Pune police commissioner RS Sharma was quoted as saying that investigations have revealed Telgi, who is now cooling his heels in a Karnataka jail, has put money in TV serials like Chainpur ki Dastaan and Ani Gulmohar Phulu Lagla.
Sharma was quoted as saying that Telgi had financed films like Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai, Ankhiyonse Goli Mare, Sali Kamal Ki Biwi Dhamal Ki, Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega and Maa Tujhe Salaam.
The Rs 22 billion forged stamp paper racket recently rocked Maharashtra and has ramifications in many other states as well.
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.
