News Broadcasting
Samsung opens R&D center in Asia
MUMBAI: Samsung Electronics, which claims to be the number one producer of television sets by revenue, has opened a digital research center in Korea.
This is a new research facility dedicated to its digital media business. Samsung claims that the new facility is the largest R&D center in Asia and is expected to become a major R&D hub for development of digital TVs.
Samsung Electronics president digital media business Geesung Choi states, The Digital Research Center will play a key role in our drive to be the digital TV leader. This facility will turn out a steady stream of innovative printers, camcorders, monitors and notebook PCs that are on the cutting edge of the digital renaissance.
The center houses special-purpose facilities that will elevate the level of technological development and innovation in digital consumer electronics and IT products. These labs are built for functions such as picture and sound quality assessment, safety, reliability testing and environmental testing.
Ground was broken in September 2003 and construction was completed at the end of September 2005. The floor space is the equivalent to the area of 30 soccer fields. Currently, 5,200 employees work at the R&D Center and it will eventually accommodate 9,000 researchers.
Of the 4,100+ R&D personnel who are part of the Digital Media Business, around 1,500 hold post-graduate degrees. There are also more than 150 expatriate researchers from India, China, Japan, Russia, UK and the US.
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.
