News Broadcasting
AXN, Animax to go mobile
MUMBAI: While the question of whether people will use the mobile to view entire episodes of television shows is still in the air one thing that channels are realising is that the mobile phone is a bloody effective promotional tool especially when targeting the teenage segment.
Keeping this in mind AXN and Animax will both venture into the wireless area to promote shows. First off the blocks is AXN. The channel recently bought the mobile rights for one of its most popular shows CSI.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com this afternoon at the sidelines of a media briefing AXN Asia VP marketing and creative services Gregory Ho said, “We are talking to a mobile content distributor and hope to finalise the deal next month.
“Basically the service will offer downloads like ringtones, wallpaper, screensavers. We will see what the response this and then take a decision as to whether we will do a similar initiative for our other shows like 24.
“The thing is that since we do not own these shows acquiring the rights is expensive. In fact Animax will use the mobile in a greater way next year. That is because we have created our own set of vignettes featuring original characters Quu and Tee. These are two fun loving characters from another universe. They have come to earth looking to have a good time.”
Ho went on to explain that while Tee is nimble and agile. Quu is slower but has magical powers. Right now three 50 second vignettes featuring these two characters are airing. “We will shortly expand this to eight. When the characters grow in popularity we will look at taking them mobile in the form of ringtones, wallpaper etc.
“Our hope is to make a television series out of these two characters. This will give us opportunities in the licensing and merchandising area perhaps a couple of years from now”
Ho was however quick to clarify that the company has no plans of doing the merchandise itself. “We will license the characters for a fee to a third party for products like videos, toys, books. It makes no sense for us to get into the retail business as that would distract us from our core business – television. In fact Disney recently shut down most of its retail storews in America. Retailing is a complex business and it is always better for experts to handle that area.”
While admitting that Animax was a little ahead of its time in India and that it is behind Pogo and Nickelodeon Ho expressed confidence that Japanimation would find favour among viewers. He claimed that it is available in 12 million homes in India.
The channel will be conducting a promotional initiative in 100 schools across the major Metros from 29 November. “The school initiative is a watch and win contest. Apart from prizes the school that sends in the most entries will be paid a special visit by Animax’s brand ambassador Irfan Pathan. Pathan will then give the kids a pep talk.”
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.
