News Broadcasting
Steve Askew exits Star, Laureen Ong appointed COO
MUMBAI: Confirming news that has been doing the rounds for a while now, Star has announced that its long serving COO Steve Askew has resigned from the company. Replacing Askew as chief operating officer is Laureen Ong, whose appointment is effective June.
A company release issued today cites the reasons for Askew’s departure as personal.
Star chief operating officer Laureen Ong
Ong joins Star from National Geographic Channel where she was the founding president of the network, having spearheaded the 2001 launch of NGC.
Prior to launching National Geographic Channel, Ong served for two years as vice president and general manager of WTTG-TV in Washington where she was the first Asian-American woman to lead a top 10 market affiliate. Ong also helped launch SportsVision in Chicago, where she served for seven years eventually becoming executive producer and VP broadcasting for the World Series-winning Chicago White Sox baseball team (in which she continues to hold an ownership stake).
Speaking about Askew’s exit Star CEO Paul Aiello said, “Steve has been with Star for over 10 years and has played a key leadership role in virtually every aspect of our operations. He has been an instrumental force in shaping the company and growing it from a relatively small broadcaster into the industry leader it is today. We thank Steve for his tremendous contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
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.
