News Broadcasting
Samsung to donate $ 1.05 mn towards bridging digital divide in Asia
MUMBAI: Samsung Electronics has announced the second consecutive year of its largest Asian social program — Samsung DigitAll Hope.
The company plans to contribute $1.05 million by this year to organisations from Southeast Asia and Australia. The aim is to help bridge the digital divide.
Over $ 450,000 in grants will be awarded this year to projects that enhance lives of the disabled and youth with technology. 15 organisations already benefited from $600,000 in grants last year.
The programme focuses on enriching lives with technology in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In Singapore and Thailand, the focus will be on supporting programs that assist people living with disabilities, and to help them lead richer lives through existing and new development technologies.
Samsung Asia CEO and president Sang-Jin Park said, “We have a deep-rooted belief that technology is an increasingly important tool of progress. It has the power to enhance and transform the lives of everyone including the disabled, so we can look forward to a brighter future.”
The company has invited charities, NGOs and educational institutions to apply for grants for on-going projects or the foundation of new projects surrounding improving lives through technology. A regional panel will judge submissions. The criteria include the expected quality of lives, creativity and innovation in the use of technology to develop better lives.
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.
