News Broadcasting
Commemorates Independence day with tribute to the country’s wildlife
NEW DELHI: Commemorating the 67th year of India’s independence, Animal Planet celebrates the country’s exotic wildlife through its month-long programming line-up YEH MERA INDIA. Airing from August 15, every night at 9:00 P.M. on Animal Planet, YEH MERA INDIA showcases fascinating wildlife, rich and varied landscapes and great natural treasure troves of India. The series travels from the mountains of Himalayas to wetlands of Odisha, and from Sahyadari ranges in Western Ghats to Bandhavgarh Forests in the heart of India. The line-up features rare species like the Lion-tailed Macaque, Mahseer fish, Goonch fish, Malabar Pit Vipers, Dholes and Gharials, wildlife that are unique to India.
To mark the occasion, Animal Planet launches YEH MERA INDIA animal anthem, as a way to epitomise the magnificent and spectacular wildlife of Indian subcontinent with its thematic lyrics. The multi-lingual song has been composed by Bollywood’s eminent music directors Salim and Sulaiman Merchant and sung by Salim, June Banerjee and Nandini Srikar in Hindi, Bengali and Tamil, respectively. The anthem strives to remind viewers of the splendid creatures we share our planet with.
Rahul Johri, Senior VP and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said “Animal Planet highlights India’s staggering wildlife and natural spectacles through its month-long programming line-up Yeh Mera India. The initiative is a celebration of the most enigmatic animals found in exotic landscapes of our country.”
Anthem composer Salim Merchant said, “I am glad to be associated with Animal Planet through Yeh Mera India anthem which reaches out to millions of people in the country. There is no better way than music to celebrate the importance of animals in our lives.”
Popular south Indian singer and composer Nandini Srikar commented, “I love animals and I’m a big fan of programs of Animal Planet. I am delighted to be a part of Yeh Mera India. The anthem recognises the value of India’s wildlife and its unparalleled natural habitat.”
Noted Bengali singer June Banerjee added, “Our natural wealth is an irreplaceable heritage that must be preserved for our future generations.”
YEH MERA INDIA line-up includes programmes like Jungle Hooks: India chronicling epic journeys of angler Jeremy Wade to Ganges in search of most bizarre and dangerous fish; Odisha’s Wetlands documenting the contribution of wetlands in maintaining the ecological balance; Nagarahole – Tales from an Indian Jungle capturing the natural spectacle of Nagarhole Park from one monsoon season to the next and investigating the threats to India’s precious ecological heritage; Creatures Of The Great Rains portraying the effect of monsoons on creatures great and small: from elephants to frogs, tigers to monkeys, rhinos to leeches; and Shola – India’s Jungle of Rain showcasing the incredible variety of wildlife present in the Western Ghats.
YEH MERA INDIA allows viewers to travel widely across India in the comfort of their homes to experience the dramatic convergence of rare wildlife with people and habitats. Viewers will travel to Thar Desert in Rajasthan which holds desert’s largest livestock market, the Nagaur fair. The episode uncovers natives’ traditional way of life and their ancient alliance with nature. Further in Rajasthan, watch how thousands of Hindus flock to the temple to honour the miracle goddess Karni Mata whose children are believed to be reincarnated in a rat’s body. In Himalayas, follow the path of river Ganges to see rarest and strangest animals on the planet including illusive River dolphins, otters and bizarre long nosed crocodiles ‘Gharials’. At 5,000 meters above sea level, among the most treacherous and untamed mountains of Himalayas find how Blue sheep or ‘Bharal’ have made this desolate cold desert their home.
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.
