News Broadcasting
Rahul Chakkara is the controller of BBC’s itv services
MUMBAI: Rahul Chakkara has been appointed as the new controller of BBCi’s 24/7 interactive TV services. These are the BBC’s ‘always-on’ information services and are available on digital television platforms in the UK.
Chakkara’s predecessor Emma Somerville was appointed as the head of interactive TV programming earlier this year.
Chakkara will take office on 1 June 2004. He will be reporting to Ashley Highfield who is the director of new media and technology. Chakkara will be responsible for strategic direction, planning and budgeting, commissioning of content and the overall branding of BBCi’s interactive TV services.
Highfield was quoted in a company release saying, “Rahul has an impressive track record of launching iTV services and developing brand awareness. His skill-set will be an invaluable addition to the team and the development of BBCi’s 24/7 services in the future.”
Chakkara was the director of marketing and interactive television at NDS. He was responsible for the global marketing of digital television and future technologies as well as developing the iTV business.
Chakkara began his career in software engineering with ICL-Fujitsu in 1987 before joining P&G Europe as a brand manager in 1992.
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.
