News Broadcasting
Slimmer Viva to showcase third video next week
MUMBAI: Viva is going full steam ahead, the loss of one member notwithstanding. The music channel from the Star stable Channel (V) has announced that it will air the third video of its girl band later this week.
Their new video Jahan Ho Pyar Ka Mausam takes viewers on a musical journey with the Viva girls in search of a fantasy land, although sans Seema Ramchandani who quit the band recently. The video was shot in the lush green locales of Murud Janjeera, a seaside retreat in western Maharashtra, and amid the sun, sands and surf of the exotic beaches of Kashid, on the outskirts of Mumbai.
An official release informs that the Viva girls have for company the Boys for VIVA – Sanju, Romeo, Parag, Gaurav and Nolen, the macho five-men team, who were selected among thousands who enthusiastically took part in the “Boys for VIVA contest’ for being a part of the third VIVA video. Shot in romantic locales, swinging to the music of music composers Jatin-Lalit, the video has a gossamer, poetic avante garde look and was shot in four days, the release claims.
Shot by ace cinematographer Amit Roy and choreographed by Anand Kumar of Kaliyon Ka Chaman fame, the video is directed by Amar Deb, of Channel [V].
The release states that Viva’s first album has already sold close to 500,000 copies. Their first public performance saw 50,000 spectators in attendance.
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.
