BT Broadcast trims staff, “but expands”
British Telecom’s Broadcast Services (BTBS) is trimming down staff numbers. The company was also absent from last month’s giant IBC broadcasting convention in Amsterdam, causing some tongues to waggle mischievously. Gossip that’s come across Inside Satellite’s desk included the imminent departure of CEO Mark Smith (not true), a complete sell off or MBO (see below) and other similar rumours. John Beattie, its director of UK sales, admitted a staff review is talking place, affecting perhaps 10% of BTBS staff. “It is not across the whole of Broadcast Services. We are refocusing, and there is some down-sizing. But those who will be affected know they can be re-skilled elsewhere within BTBS, or if they choose we can look within the larger BT.”

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Orbit: “co-operation likely”
Tough month for Sky
Latino ‘Media Mambo’
VOOM liquidation risk
Galaxy wins Phoenix
USA’s Radio Sawa “Failing”
Intelsat avoids Orbit Act
Sundance Europe
15 bids for NTL Broadcast
MONITOR On ITV3
COMMENT On Ramadan