News Broadcasting
Zee set to make southern debut with 12 September launch of Alpha Telugu
MUMBAI: Zee Network is all set to unveil its Telugu channel Alpha Telugu. The 24-hour channel will start beaming from 12 September.
The launch of Alpha Telugu will finally see the Zee Network making its entry into southern television airspace. With the launch, Zee will become the second mainstream network having a presence in the South after Star, which has its Tamil channel Star Vijay.
Timed with the launch, Alpha Telugu has lined up a series of campaigns, which will start rolling from the 12th. According to Alpha Telugu business head Sreenivaas Bhatt, print, outdoor and cable will be used to promote Alpha Telugu, apart from cross promotions through the network.
Speaking exclusively to indiantelevision.com, Bhatt says the channel will telecast 17 hours of original programming daily from Day 1 of launch. According to Bhatt, a programming bank of two months’ duration is ready.
Alpha Telugu will telecast five daily news bulletins of 30 minutes duration. A total of 12 serials, eight soaps for the prime time slot and four for the afternoon band are also being lined up.
“Alpha Telugu will be stressing on reality-based shows. So, apart from news and soaps, the channel will telecast chat shows, interviews, live shows and documentaries portraying the common man’s life in Andhra,” offers Bhatt.
Bhatt however, refused to divulge financial details of the channel’s programming and marketing saying more data was awaited.
“Reality dramatised” – that’s the tagline for Alpha Telugu. With Zee Network finally realising its long-in-the-offing Telugu entry, it could well be put as “drama realised”.
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.
