News Broadcasting
Zee News rejigs to meet uplink norms
MUMBAI: The Subhash Chandra-promoted Zee Telefilms has decided to hive off its news business into a separate company, Zee News Pvt Ltd, which will have scaled down foreign holding.
The restructuring was done to comply with government regulations, which stipulate that news channels uplinking from India should not have more than 26 per cent foreign investment. Indian shareholding of 51 per cent is mandatory too.
In Zee News Pvt Ltd, Jayaneer Capital Private Ltd will hold 40 per cent and Churu Trading Company Private Ltd 25 per cent equity stake. Both are Indian companies with Indian promoters.
In the restructured news entity, Zee Telefilms’ equity stake is 35 per cent, which works out under a complex formula to about 20 per cent of foreign holding to comply with the 26 per cent cap.
How does this formula work that is based on a total 58 per cent total foreign holding in Zee Telefilms? The foreign holding in the restructed Zee News Pvt Ltd has been calculated at the rate of 35 per cent (Zee Telefilms holding in Zee News) of 58 per cent (foreign holding in Zee Tele).
The details of the restructuring were confirmed to indiantelevision.com by company sources after Zee Tele informed the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the government of the changes.
As part of the regulatory requirements, Zee Tele informed BSE, the company is planning to transfer its business and activity relating to news and current affairs, including assets and liabilities,to Zee News Pvt Ltd.
The activities comprise gathering of content, editing, making it broadcast worthy, broadcasting and uplinking content on Zee News channel and on certain time slots of regional language channels.
The Zee Tele board will meet at a later date to approve the changes and the appropriate terms and conditions effected in the company relating to the news business.
The restructuring of the news business was necessitated as being part of Zee Telefilms Ltd, the foreign holding in the news channels — Zee News and Zee Business — were way above the stipulated government norms.
The government has set 30 September as one the many extended deadlines for news channels to comply with uplinking guidelines. Business channel CNBCTV18 will also have to restructure to comply with the guidelines.
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.
