News Broadcasting
Sony to hold Sports Award Ceremony in UK
MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television (SET) Asia has announced its annual Sports Award ceremony celebrating British Asian athletes who excel in their chosen sport..
The ceremony, in its second year, is to be held at the Hilton, Park Lane, London in February.
A company release states that the SET Sports Personality of the Year 2003 was a resounding success and the broadcaster hopes that the 2004 awards will surpass previous ceremonies.
Established to showcase the best that the Asian community can offer and promote British Asian talent across most areas of sport, the awards ceremony is expected to be a lavish affair. The awards will recognise all levels of sporting ability from professional athletes to amateur sportsmen and women participating in local activities, says the release.
Although its prime focus is cricket, SET has always prided itself on its continual coverage of sport from South Asia, says the release.
The broadcaster is already in the process of accepting nominations for the awards from coaches, sporting associations, family and friends. The nominees have to be recognised participants in their sporting field, either professional, semi-professional or amateur. Last day for submission of nomination is 15 January 2004, adds the release.
The broadcaster has invited the masses to vote for the announced following popular categories: SET Sports personality of the year, Most up and coming sports personality of the year Junior sports personality of the year (male U18), Junior sports personality of the year (female U18), Young sports personality of the year (U10) Outstanding achievement award, Coach of the year and International sports personality of the year.
A jury will select winners for the categories SET Asia Five-a-Side winners, Lifetime achievement award, and Special achievement award.
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.
