News Broadcasting
Ted Turner, Oprah featured in Wharton’s most influential list
MUMBAI: Media baron Ted Turner is one of just two media people who feature in ‘The 25 Most Influential Business Persons of the Past 25 Years’. The list was compiled by a panel from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. The other media person is the queen of the talk show genre Oprah Winfrey.
For several months Wharton faculty, who participated in the selection of the top 25, have appeared on Nightly Business Report to discuss some of the business issues that these business leaders have faced.
The special showcasing the list airs tomorrow 22 January on US public broadcaster PBS’ Nightly Business Report. The show was launched 25 years ago and claims to be television’s longest-running and most-watched daily business news programme.
The number one person is Intel’s Andy Grove. A company release stated that the visionary, unconventional leader has over the years excelled at turning setbacks into strengths. The show is anchored by Paul Kangas in Miami, who has been with the programme since its inception, and Susie Gharib in New York.
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.
