News Broadcasting
DD plans audience research to supplement TAM data
NEW DELHI: Even as national broadcaster Doordarshan continues to take market research agency TAM Media’s data on television ratings, it has decided to lay greater emphasis on conducting qualitative audience research for programme evaluation and positioning.
The matter was discussed threadbare in the research advisory committee meeting held at Doordarshan headquarters in New Delhi today.
The general consensus at the meeting was that TAM data, obtained through peoplemeters placed in 27 cities, does not give a true and correct picture of Doordarshan’s reach, which has a far stronger following in the semi-urban and rural areas. Further, the sentiment was that the sample of TAM was too small to be representative in a multi-cultural society like India.
One of the models that will be experimented with will be the setting up of Doordarshan viewer’s clubs, which would give feedback and suggestions for improvement of DD programmes.
It has also been decided to capitalise on the success of the Meri Baat interactive talk show programme on DD Bharati, which has brought hundreds of schools in close contact with Doordarshan. DD will launch more and more interactive programmes, and will use the School Forum to create awareness about the programmes. DD expects that word of mouth publicity will lead to chain reaction i.e. from the participating children, on through his/her classroom, through the school, to parents of students and other family members, on to their friends, and so on. It is envisaged that the school forum will also be used to get feedback on the quality of DD’s shows.
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.
