People
Bhawana Somaaya appointed Entertainment Editor for 92.7 BIG FM
MUMBAI: 92.7 BIG FM, India’s No. 1 and largest radio network, today announced the appointment of veteran journalist, critic, author and historian Bhawana Somaaya as Entertainment Editor. Bhawana-ji as she is fondly referred to in the office, has been associated with 92.7 BIG FM since 2009 in the capacity of Film Expert, sharing her credible film reviews, along with fascinating trivia on Bollywood. With this move, she will now be responsible for developing insights along with the team, delivering to audiences a more engaging and enhanced aural experience. In her role as entertainment editor, Bhawana-ji will be an integral part of the think-tank for all entertainment related shows and activities of the business. She will also play an important part in bringing newer perspectives and providing inputs and insights on all shows related to Bollywood.
Speaking of her appointment, Bhawana Somaaya stated, “RBNL is a powerful force and the organization has talent in every department. I’ve been working closely with the organization and I’m of the view that the office has a great vibe and an energetic environment. There is music all the way here, from the moment that I step out of my car till the time I’m seated inside the office. I’m grateful to have received this opportunity and I bring my sincerity to the work that this organization does. RBNL enriches my vision and I’m elated to begin my journey here and furthermore reinvent myself with a new medium and a new language.”
Bhawana began her career as a reporter with Cinema Journal, an entertainment supplement of Free Press Journal back in the 70s and fast evolved into a renowned film critic in the industry. She later joined Movie as Assistant Editor and in a matter of just 4 years, she was promoted to the position of Joint Editor. Eventually she moved to Screen, the film weekly of the Indian Express Group as Editor in Chief. She has made significant contributions to the entertainment sector including writing 12 books, the last one titled Talking Cinema which released in October last year.
People
BBC appoints Matt Brittin as 18th Director-General
Former Google EMEA president to lead broadcaster from May amid global change
LONDON: The BBC has named Matt Brittin as its 18th Director-General, placing a seasoned technology and media leader at the helm of one of the world’s most influential public broadcasters. He will formally assume the role on 18 May.
Brittin steps into the position after a brief “gap year”, as he described it, returning to the spotlight with a job that, in his own words, was “probably not one either you or I were expecting”. The appointment signals a strategic tilt towards digital expertise at a time when traditional broadcasting continues to evolve at pace.
The new Director-General brings more than 18 years of experience from Google, where he held several senior roles, including President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. During his tenure, he played a central role in expanding the company’s footprint across Europe and shaping its regional strategy.
More recently, Brittin served as Senior Independent Director at The Guardian, adding boardroom insight from one of Britain’s leading news organisations. His career also spans roles at McKinsey, Trinity Mirror and Sainsbury’s, giving him a broad perspective across media, retail and strategy.
The Director-General position carries dual responsibility as chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, overseeing the BBC’s creative, editorial and operational direction both in the UK and globally. It is a role that demands not just leadership, but a steady editorial compass in an increasingly complex media landscape.
“Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast changing world,” Brittin said. He added that the broadcaster remains “an extraordinary, uniquely British asset” with a legacy of innovation in storytelling and technology.
His appointment comes at a moment when public service broadcasters are under pressure to balance tradition with transformation, navigating shifting audience habits, digital disruption and funding debates. Brittin’s blend of Silicon Valley scale and British media sensibility may prove timely.
With “big challenges and big opportunities” ahead, Brittin appears ready to get started. The real test begins in May, when he moves from anticipation to action at Broadcasting House.
