News Broadcasting
Soong leaves CNBC Asia for CNN Intl as anchor
MUMBAI: The latest addition to CNN Intl’s list of anchors and correspondents is Martin Soong. He will anchor the network’s news programmes produced out of CNN’s regional headquarters in Hong Kong and report from the territory and across the Asia Pacific region.
Soong commences his job from 1 April 2004. He joins CNN’s Asia-Pacific presenting team comprising Stan Grant, Veronica Pedrosa, Andrew Stevens and Kristie Lu Stout who are also based in Hong Kong anchoring the network’s prime-time daily news programmes. Soong joins CNN International from CNBC Asia where he spent four years as an anchor/news editor and previously six years as a supervising producer/anchor with Asia Business News (now CNBC Asia).
He began his full time journalistic career in 1983 with The Business Times in Singapore as a reporter, and then he worked for Singapore Broadcasting Corporation as a producer/anchor and The Straits Times as a correspondent.
CNN International in the Asia Pacific operates from a fully integrated digital newsroom in Hong Kong. The regional news hub produces and broadcasts 30 hours a week of programming, including News Biz Today, Asia Now and the chat show Talk Asia.
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.
