News Broadcasting
PVR Cinemas to invest Rs 800 million on multiplexes
MUMBAI: Delhi-based PVR Cinemas is planning to invest around Rs 800 million for expanding its chain of multiplexes to 20 by the end of this financial year.
The 20 multiplexes will be spread across 8-9 cities. Currently, PVR Cinemas has nine multiplexes in five cities – Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Chandigarh and Bangalore. The latest in the line-up, a 11-screen multiplex in Bangalore, was opened today.
The company is planning to instal approximately 70-80 screens. Currently, PVR has 37 screens.
“We plan to invest around Rs 80 crore and have 20 properties by March 2005,” PVR Cinemas managing director Ajjay Bijli told indiantelevision.com.
The funding plans for the project, Bijli says, are very fluid. “We will take a call by the end of this financial year. It could be debt, equity or from internal accruals.” ICICI Venture has a 35 per cent stake in PVR Cinemas.
The new multiplexes are coming up in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai. In Mumbai, the multiplexes will be stationed in suburbs Goregaon (10-screen), Mulund (6-screen), Juhu (5-screen), South Mumbai (6-screen) and Lower Parel (10-screen).
For its expansion plans in the Southern and Western regions, the company recently hired former Mukta Adlabs CEO Sunil Patil as COO.
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.
