News Broadcasting
UR Rao quits as Prasar Bharati chairman
NEW DELHI: UR Rao, chairman of the Prasar Bharati Corporation, has put in his papers, citing personal reasons.
Sources in Prasar Bharati admitted today that Prof Rao, a former head of the country’s premier space research institute, ISRO, has sent in his resignation to the information and broadcasting ministry.
However, there was no official communication from the Prasar Bharati in this regard. Nor from the ministry.
Prof. Rao was chosen as the chairman of the Prasar Bharati board by a selection committee, comprising the vice-president of India, Press Council chairman and a government nominee, after a lot of deliberation.
Prasar Bharati got its second chairman more than a year after its first chairman died a couple of years back.
If the resignation is accepted, then the selection committee, likely to have new members with the new vice-president too having taken over, will have to meet to zero down on another candidate for the chairman’s post of Prasar Bharati. BG Verghese, a veteran journalist and seniormost member of the board, may be made acting chairman once Raos resignation is accepted by the government, the Indian Express has reported.
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.
