News Broadcasting
Veteran journo Rana Yashwant joins Live Times’ for weekend offerings
MUMBAI: Veteran television journo Rana Yashwant, famed for his bullish tell-it-like-it-is style, has inked a juicy deal with Hindi news channel Live Times. The partnership will see the straight-talking anchor front two weekend programmes across both television and digital platforms, whilst also getting his fingers into the channel’s special projects pie.
Live Times bigwigs insist this is far more than just another editorial appointment—it’s a statement of intent in their crusade for credible reporting. Yashwant, the brain behind popular show Ardh Satya, brings a whopping two-and-a-half decades of media experience to the table.
Dilip Singh, founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of the channel, pulled no punches about the significance of the hire: “In an era when fake news is spreading like wildfire, Live Times stands firmly for fact-based journalism. Rana Yashwant’s joining is not just a matter of joining an experienced editor, but an extension of a reliable editorial thinking.”
Singh added that the channel, built on the holy trinity of “credibility, transparency and editorial independence,” continues to bolster its ranks with heavyweight journalists and subject experts, making it an increasingly formidable force in the media landscape.
Yashwant himself seemed please with his new gig, declaring: “‘In today’s era, there is an abundance of information, but there is a huge lack of trust. In such a situation, Live Times’ gives priority to facts, transparency and public interest. This platform believes in creating effective content instead of making noise. This is not just a new role for me, but a responsibility – to do such journalism that not only informs, but also empowers people and ensures accountability.”
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.
