News Broadcasting
Unclear when CAS bill will come up for debate
NEW DELHI: The information and broadcasting ministry managed to cross one big hurdle today. Get the Cable TV Network (Amendment) Bill 2002, which aims at facilitating addressability in Indian cable homes through conditional access system, listed on the agenda of business of the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) of the Indian Parliament today.
Now it will have to get the matter discussed in Parliament. Parliament’s Business advisory committee has approved the bill’s listing but when it will come up for hearing remains the question.
Though it was listed for hearing today, the item occupied the No. 7 slot and could not be taken up for discussion.
Since the CAS issue was not discussed today, it is expected that it will automatically figure in tomorrow’s agenda as well, by way of elimination of issues which are to be taken up for discussiion.
However, according to latest indications, and judging from the manner in which other items on the agenda were disposed off, it may not come up for hearing tomorrow either.
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.
