News Broadcasting
Flavia Agnes on Sony’s ‘Fair & Lovely Shikhar’ on 18 Sept
New Delhi, September 16, 2005: Tune in to your television sets this Sunday afternoon, 18th September 2005 to watch one of India’s most celebrated and extraordinary woman, Flavia Agnes, featured in Fair & Lovely Shikhar on Sony Entertainment Television.
This program, which premiered on Sunday, 28th August, is an initiative by Fair & Lovely, India’s largest skin cream brand. The serial aims to explore the inspiring stories of women achievers who have overcome all obstacles with their strong will and positive attitude and “changed their destinies”.
A lawyer by profession, Flavia Agnes has authored several books not only confined to law and legal issues but also women’s rights and social causes. Her autobiography-‘‘My Story, Our Story …of Rebuilding Broken Lives”, carries pioneering work on domestic violence and provides crucial insights into the dilemmas faced by victims of domestic violence.
Although today, Flavia Agnes is known as the successful co-founder of the Women’s Centre in Mumbai, and a social activist on women’s empowerment issues, she has had a very different beginning. She was a victim of domestic violence herself, and her path breaking story demonstrates her immense strength and belief in herself.
Flavia realizes the emptiness of sexual equality shy of economic independence and to increase women’s employment level, she launches an innovative job training, placement, and public awareness program. Her dedication, passion and courage have made her the success story that she is today.
In the coming episodes, Fair & Lovely Shikhar will be featuring some more women achievers like swimmer Bula Chowdhary, Red light activist Preeti Pakar and Photojournalist Sarvesh.
Says Mr Ashok Venkatramini, Vice President, Skin- Hindustan Lever Limited, “Fair & Lovely Shikhar is a salute to all the women who have, despite all odds, with their courage and determination achieved great heights, pursued their dreams to change their destinies. All the guests showcased in the serial are the face and spirit of Indian women. We want to, with Fair & Lovely Shikhar inspire the viewers to realize their dreams and ambitions and follow them to attain success”.
Speaking on show Mr Tarun Katial, Executive Vice-President, Sony Entertainment Television said, “The channel has always brought the viewers’ attention through various initiatives on social issues of the society. The channel now presents a talk show, which will focus on the heart and soul of India – ‘Women’. Fair & Lovely Shikhar is a unique concept based on a real life scenario of women from various walks of life that will inspire our viewers. With Fair & Lovely Shikhar, we also aim to introduce the audience to Sunday afternoon viewing.”
About Sony Entertainment Television
Sony Entertainment Television (SET) India, India’s No. 2 general entertainment television channel, is backed by Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI). Its channels include Sony Entertainment Television, MAX, SAB TV, AXN and ANIMAX.
Launched in October 1995, Sony Entertainment Television is a Hindi general entertainment channel, focused at providing quality and innovative entertainment to viewers across India. Over the years, the channel has created significant marquee properties through an impressive line up of programs ranging from the light hearted to the supernatural, exploring various genres complimented by an explosive mix of glamorous events and Bollywood blockbusters. Known for its innovative concepts and exciting formats, Sony Entertainment Television has been providing strong platforms for over 700 brands to reach over 38 million households in India. In addition, Sony Entertainment Television is also available in US, UK, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Sony Entertainment Television is a part the network of channels distributed by TheOneAlliance – a joint venture between SET India Pvt. Ltd. and Discovery Communications India. Other channels in TheOneAlliance network include MAX, Discovery, Discovery Travel & Living, SAB TV, MTV, Animal Planet, AXN, ANIMAX, NDTV 24X7, NDTV India, NDTV Profit, NICK and Ten Sports.
You can download our releases from http://www.setindia.com/press.htm. For further information on Sony Entertainment Television, please log onto http://www.setindia.com
For further information contact:
Shilpa Gupta / Mallika Sinha
Phone: 011-5249 2100
E-mail: shilpa@ipan.com / mallika.sinha@ipan.com
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.
