News Broadcasting
Vijay Koshy leaves ESS for AXN, Animax
MUMBAI: Sony has tapped Vijay Koshy to head its English channels AXN and Animax in India.
He has replaced Rohit Bhandari who earlier this year was promoted to the position of AXN director South Asia. Bhandari assumes this role on Monday in Singapore. Prior to joining AXN Koshy was in charge of ad sales at ESPN Star Sports.
Koshy reports to Sony executive VP (ad sales and revenue management) Rohit Gupta. Speaking on the appointment Gupta says, “Koshy has experience in handling niche brands like Channel (V). His experience with the sports genre will also come in useful. He is the right person to lead the business of AXN and Animax going forward.
“Rohit Bhandari has been with us for a long time. His initiatives went a long way towards helping AXN becoming the number three channel in the English genre.”
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.
