News Broadcasting
Zee News signs licencing, distribution deal with BBC Worldwide
MUMBAI: Zee News has inked a marketing, licencing and distribution deal with BBC Worldwide. BBC Worldwide will market, licence and distribute Zee News’ archive clip footage worldwide on BBC Motion Gallery website.
As per the deal, BBC will source news and current affairs content only from Zee News in India for its Motion Gallery website.
Zee News CEO Barun Das said, “Worldwide, Zee News is viewed as a responsible and serious news channel. It’s little wonder that Zee News Limited is the only news and current affairs media company in India from whom BBC will source content for its prestigious Motion Gallery website.”
Following this, Zee News will join the league of some of world’s leading broadcasters like BBC, CBS News, NHK Japan, CCTV China and ABC Australia in providing content to BBC Motion Gallery which houses video clips that have been selected from the archives of these broadcasters worldwide.
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.
