News Broadcasting
Star World concludes ‘Desperate Housewives’ season II on 27 August
MUMBAI: A murder – maybe two – a philandering husband, the discovery of a mysterious love child, an escape from a psychiatric hospital and a police sniper’s deadly shot ending a confrontation.
Wisteria Lane is becoming increasingly dangerous. The final episode of the second season of Desperate Housewives airs on 27 August at 10 pm on English general entertainment channel Star World.
There are several questions that hang in the balance. One issue is a showdown between the three men in Susan’s life. Susan is played by Teri Hatcher. There is also the issue of whether Susan and Mike get back together again. Another of Wisteria Lane’s housewives might discover that her husband is two timing her.
Interestingly a recent report in Entertainment News Network states that a child killer trial inspired writer Marc Cherry to create the show. Cherry recalls watching the harrowing trial of Andrea Yates, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity in her second murder trial for the bathtub drownings of her young children, with his mother.
He says, “I was watching this horrific tale on TV and I turned to my mother and I said, ‘Gosh, can you imagine a woman being so desperate that she would hurt her own children?’
“My mother took her cigarette out of her mouth and said, ‘Yeah, I’ve been there.’ “
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.
