News Broadcasting
RigNet contracts MEASAT-3 for distn of VSAT services
MUMBAI: MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. announced that RigNet Pte Ltd global provider of managed communications solutions to the oil and gas industry had signed an agreement contracting capacity on the MEASAT-3 satellite for the distribution of VSAT services.
MEASAT has been supporting RigNet since 2005 with satellite capacity for the distribution of VSAT services via MEASAT-1.
Said MEASAT senior director sales and marketing Yau Chyong Lim, “We are delighted that RigNet has selected the recently launched MEASAT-3 satellite, which has been designed to be one of Asia-Pacific’s premier satellites with extensive coverage over more than 100 countries, to distribute their services to their upstream oil and gas customers. MEASAT-3 has an excellent footprint that covers Asia Pacific, Middle East and parts of Africa. This increased satellite footprint size is vital to RigNet’s hyper-growth in these regions”.
Said RigNet Vice President for the Asia Pacific region John Troup, “RigNet is extremely pleased that MEASAT-3 was successfully launched and in service. With this new satellite, RigNet will be able to provide coverage for our customers’ drilling rigs seamlessly across regions. MEASAT-3 also complements RigNet’s global satellite coverage across all upstream oil and gas regions.”
MEASAT-3’s powerful C-Band beams will allow RigNet’s host of VSAT terminals to communicate with multiple offshore locations via high-speed, reliable and secure satellite links. MEASAT-3’s bandwidth will facilitate cost-effective operations and heightened efficiency in RigNet’s global network.
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.
