News Broadcasting
Star World to add reality action show
MUMBAI: Star World in its effort to appeal to a wider audience and cater to a variety of tastes, is attempting newer things. The latest one involves a reality-themed action show the likes of which have grown from strength to strength on AXN.
I Dare You: The Ultimate Challenge will air every Friday at 9 pm from 30 July. This will feature a series of dares a la Who Dares Wins that airs on AXN. Stuntmen will battle to break records in this testosterone-packed exhibition.
On the Rupert Murdoch-owned channel, viewers will witness a 10,000-pound “Bigfoot” monster truck flying 150 feet through the air, over a junkyard of old cars! A daredevil jumps from an airplane, landing on top of a hot air balloon 2,000 feet below. A motorcycle rider drives through the gates of hell – a tunnel of fire.
That is not all, in each programme, dangerous stunts will be accompanied by footage of the shows Near Miss Accidents and Stunts Gone Wrong. There will also be stories of adventure-seekers who have achieved their goals despite overwhelming obstacles.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Star India senior VP content and communications Deepak Segal said that the channel would be bringing in another reality show in September. Watch this space for further details.
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.
