News Broadcasting
WorldSpace launches in Goa, Jaipur, Nagpur, Trivandrum
MUMBAI: Satellite radio firm WorldSpace has launched its subscription service in four more Indian markets- Goa, Jaipur, Nagpur, and Trivandrum.
Collectively representing a population of over 6.2 million, including approximately 2.6 million consumers who fall into WorldSpace’s targetted listener base, the new market launches expand the company’s target market penetration to nearly 38 million consumers nationwide.
To ensure ready access for subscribers in the new service areas, WorldSpace satellite radios are already available in nearly 100 retail outlets across the markets, with more expected in the near term.
WorldSpace COO Andy Ras-Work said, “WorldSpace continues to gain traction across India, and service availability in these burgeoning markets enables us to reach more Indian residents than ever before. These new members of the WorldSpace community will undoubtedly be pleased with the network’s expansive content diversity, including national, international and local music, news and entertainment, whenever and virtually wherever they want it.”
WorldSpace provides more than 40 channels of digital quality programming to the subcontinent of India, spanning a wide range of musical genres, news, sports and information. Its Indian programming includes two Indian classical channels — Shruti (Carnatic) and Gandharv (Hindustani), as well as regional Indian channels — Tara (Bengali), KL Radio (Tamil), Sparsha (Kannada), RM Radio (Malayalam) Spandana (Telugu) and Tunak Punjabi (Punjabi).
These commercial-free services and more are now available to subscribers in more than 14 markets throughout the country.
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.
