News Broadcasting
US-based ITVN announces international distribution agreement
MUMBAI: California-headquartered IPTV player Interactive Television Networks has entered into a long-term distribution deal with a group of unnamed European investors for the wholesale distribution of XTV Networks to 3rd party IPTV providers.
Going beyond US and Canada, this broad agreement includes retail distribution of ITVN’s set-top-boxes in Eastern Europe. In addition, a significant capital contribution is being made to fund ITVN’s European launch, which is scheduled for December 2005, states an official release.
“While our core business is the sale of programming over our proprietary set-top-box, ITVN also believes that significant opportunities exist in the distribution of its networks, including XTV Networks, to 3rd party IPTV providers,” said ITVN CEO Charles Prast. “Among ITVN’s assets are our IPTV programming capability and Internet Protocol rights to a variety of popular content, which we intend to leverage to non-affiliated providers both in the US and internationally.”
ITVN manufactures a low-cost, compact set-top-box that links the home television to IPTV networks and services without the need for a personal computer. In addition, ITVN is a provider of proprietary interactive content networks delivered to the television over home broadband. ITVN owns or controls all aspects of its business from content licenses, management, billing, and streaming software to its low-cost compact set-top-box, the release adds.
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.
