News Broadcasting
Roys seek FIPB nod to gift daughter NDTV stake
MUMBAI: In terms of statistics, its share transfer. But at a different level, it also denotes the love of parents for their kid.
Tara Roy, daughter of NDTV promoters Radhika and Prannoy Roy, is all set to get a gift from her parents— 15 per cent of the company.
After the shareholding transfer is formalised, Tara could claim a berth on the NDTV board too. At present, she holds 13 shares of the company.
NDTV Ltd. has sought permission from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to transfer about 15 per cent from the promoters’ shareholding to Tara Roy, a non-resident Indian (NRI).
Presently, NDTV promoters Prannoy and Radhika Roy hold about 27.39 per cent equity stake each in the company, as per information available on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Even after the transfer of shares to Tara, the total foreign holding in NDTV will remain well within the foreign investment cap of 26 per cent as required by government regulation for news channels and companies managing such ventures.
The transfer of shares to Tara has been proposed as a gift, according to government sources. Ideally, such transfers should not have attracted a government nod, but because of the beneficiary’s NRI status, the transaction is being put through the FIPB.
According to market analysts, there is no argument that NDTV is a top player in the news space. A recent report on the company’s performance put out by an analyst firm state that NDTV has a No. 1 or No. 2 position in terms of ratings of its channels and as a company has displayed strong growth by showing profits within 15 months of beginning operations.
NDTV scrip closed the day on the Bombay Stock Exchange at Rs 188, having opened at a high of Rs 191.
Recently, the company sought permission from the information and
broadcasting ministry to uplink another news channel from India, which would bring the total number of channels from the company stable to four. The present channels managed by the company are NDTV 24×7, NDTV India and business channel NDTV Profit.
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.
