News Broadcasting
CNN-IBN outperforms Times Now as per latest TGI survey data
MUMBAI: CNN-IBN, India’s leading English News Channel, has outperformed Times Now on key critical parameters in the Target Group Index (TGI) study.
TGI (Target Group Index) is a global market research conducted across 72 countries. In India, this study is conducted by IMRB. This study is considered as the most relevant for media agencies and advertisers for developing strategies and understanding consumer segments since it gives insights on consumption across 300 categories. The latest round of this study – Wave 2 (March-May, 2014+ Aug-Oct, 2014) had a sample size of 29,677 from Urban India (SEC AB 15-55 years) which is 7 times that of SEC AB audiences captured by the current Television Audience Measurement system in the country. Overall the study has a sample size of 40,000 (approx) which is 4 times that of the aforementioned system for overall audiences across SECs.
According to the TGI data released by IMRB, CNN-IBN is clearly and significantly ahead of Times Now across multiple audiences especially SEC A segment (2 times)* and metro residents (2.4 times)*. Overall, viewers* who claim to watch CNN-IBN are 3.1 times more than Times Now. Viewers who are looking for in-depth news analysis, political news coverage and staying informed again prefer to watch CNN-IBN over Times Now. Even psychographically, progressive, modern, ambitious and knowledgeable audiences with a positive outlook towards life have a clear preference for CNN-IBN when compared to Times Now.
CNN-IBN also outperforms Times Now in key product categories including automobiles, durables, e-commerce, tech products and FMCG. Amongst viewers who own cars/bikes, CNN-IBN claimed viewership is 3.57 times that of Times Now. Amongst viewers who own durables like TV, fridge, AC and washing machine, CNN-IBN outscores Times Now by 1.3 times. Those who tend to shop online also prefer to watch CNN-IBN again by a factor of 1.3 times. Amongst viewers, who own or use latest technology and gadgets, CNN-IBN viewership is 2.6 times that of Times Now. Those who claim to be the primary household shoppers, a critical segment for any marketer, and watch CNN-IBN are 3.6 times those who claim to watch Times Now.
*Claimed viewership as per TGI.
Source: TGI India 2014, Wave 2 (Mar-May 2014 + Aug-Oct 2014); Urban India SEC AB 15-55 Yrs, Sample size – 29677.
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.
