News Broadcasting
Star World’s new series follows in Joe’s tracks
MUMBAI: Unfazed by the less than lukewarm response elicited by the airing of Fox series Joe Millionaire late 2003, Star World is embarking on another journery into the voyeuristic delights of watching women choose a man or his money.
For Love Or Money, a six episode unscripted drama series premieres on the channel on 22 January at 9 pm. It has 15 beautiful women competing for one man, all of whom come hoping to find love but are surprised to learn in the first episode that there is also a million dollar prize at stake – but the winner and the bachelor will not know that she ultimately must choose between the man of her dreams or one million dollars.
Jordan Murphy (Boston Public) will host the series, guiding the contestants through numerous twists and turns as they try to win the heart of a handsome and charming Dallas defence attorney. Though the bachelor is unaware of the million dollar incentive, the women know from the beginning that the lucky girl he chooses will win the money. However, it is at the end that the women get to know that it is finally the man or the money that the winner will have to choose.
According to an official release, an unexpected turn of events in the fourth episode will take the series to a new level as the stakes become higher for all the participants. In the final episode, the bachelor will make his choice – and the winning contestant will make hers – decisions that could affect both of their lives forever, claims the release.
Star World is also showcasing former front man of rock group The Police with Sting: Inside the Songs of Sacred Love airing on 21 January at 9 pm. Released to tie in with Sting’s 2003 album Sacred Love, this television special features a collection of Sting’s hits from both his solo career and his time with The Police. Filmed in Malibu and Los Angeles, California, the majority of the material in this programme is new, including interviews with himself and his band, rehearsal and documentary footage, and a special duet with Mary J. Blige.
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.
