News Broadcasting
Yahoo quits discussions with Time Warner on AOL bid
MUMBAI: Yahoo Inc. has dropped out of talks with Time Warner over AOL stake purchase. Now, Microsoft Corp. and Google Inc. are the only two potential bidders left in the fray.
A Bloomberg report has quoted company spokeswoman, Joanna Stevens, as saying that ” Yahoo passed on taking a stake in America Online or buying the business outright since the company thought it would face difficulties in integrating the two companies.”
Earlier this month, Time Warner chief executive, Richard Parsons had revealed that the company was having serious discussions with a number of potential partners on selling, stake in AOL. Reportedly, the company held discussions with Redmond, Washington-based, Microsoft and with Google. The Bloomberg report suggests that the US cable major Comcast is also in discussions with Time Warner for a stake in AOL.
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.
