News Broadcasting
Q3-2015: ZMCL reports 52.6% revenue growth
BENGALURU: Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL), the erstwhile Zee News Limited, reported 52.6 per cent growth in Total Income from Operations (TIO) to Rs 139.88 crore in Q3-2015 as compared to Rs 91.69 crore in Q3-2014 and 6.7 per cent more than the Rs 131.12 crore in Q2-2015. YTD, the company reported a 60.3 per cent growth in TIO to Rs 404.45 crore from Rs 252.39 crore in 9M-2014.
The company reported loss of Rs 9.40 crore in Q3-2015 versus a PAT of Rs 5.92 crore in the corresponding quarter of last year and a loss of Rs 12.86 crore in Q2-2015. ZMCL reported a loss of Rs 39.47 crore in 9M-2015 versus a PAT of Rs 14.82 crore in 9M-2014.
In its earnings release, ZMCL says that new channels incurred an operating loss of Rs 7.65 crore in Q3-2015, a loss of Rs 3.31 crore in Q3-2014 and loss of Rs 10.13 crore in the immediate trailing quarter. YTD, new channels reported an operating loss of Rs 30.34 crore in 9M-2015 and an operating loss of Rs 10.83 crore in 9M-2014.
ZMCL’s print business reported an operating loss of Rs 3.28 crore in Q3-2015, a loss of Rs 18.8 crore in 9M-2015. In Q2-2015, print business had reported an operating loss of Rs 4.39 crore.
ZMCL television business reported EBIDTA of Rs 20.07 crore in Q3-2015 and Rs 43.8 crore in 9M-2015. Television business had reported EBIDTA of Rs 20.62 crore in Q2-2015.
ZMCL News Cluster group CEO Bhaskar Das said, “We continue to reach the highest number of consumers across India through our TV channels. Consolidating our position as the largest news network, Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) reached over 116 million consumers through its 2 national channels and 8 regional channels. Striving to create content differentiator in a me-too market, we are investing strategically into content that aligns with big news events. The increased focus on content has been made possible by robust growth in advertisement revenue. I am also happy to note that the government is favourably viewing broadcasters’ opposition to the whole paradigm on the ad cap regulation.”
ZMCL CEO Ashish Kirpal Pandit added, “On top of the learning curve of how to make broadcasting operations profitable, we at ZMCL are hopeful that our regional bouquet will stabilize soon and start yielding positive returns. We also expect that the impact of digitization will come into full play very soon. We are confident about the business which will be backed by high quality shows that will hit the screen very soon.”
Watch this space for more…
Notes: (1) 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore
(2) The figures in this report are consolidated figures unless stated otherwise
(3) The consolidated financial results of the Company comprise of financials of following subsidiaries viz. Zee Akaash News Private Limited (60 per cent), Mediavest India Private Limited (100 per cent), Diligent Media Corporation Limited (99.99 per cent), Pri-Media Services Private Limited (100 per cent) and Company’s share in the results of an Associate entity, Maurya TV Private Limited, wherein Company held 37.87 per cent till December 11, 2014 and post December 11, 2014, consequent to further acquisitions, Maurya TV Private Limited became Wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company.
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.
