News Broadcasting
Riot to develop entertainment programming for US tween boys
MUMBAI: Talk about targeted programming. Riot Media, a recently launched company based in New York, will develop, produce and market multi-platform entertainment programming and media products for tween boys..
The company has also announced the formation of Riot Consulting, which will provide strategy and expertise to other organisations seeking to reach the tween market. The announcements were made by the company’s CEO Jay Gissen..
He was quoted in a company release saying, “With 15 million boys aged eight-13 spending $18 billion annually on their own and influencing an additional $145 billion in spending, many companies have devoted considerable time and resources marketing individual products to them.
“Yet no one has been able to successfully create an integrated brand that delivers content for multiple platforms simultaneously. We will fill this market niche in a way that our target audience will embrace and make their own.”.
Riot’s content will include live action and animated television , a comic book, a monthly magazine and books; home video programming, collectible game and trading cards; toys, electronic games, action figures and other licensed products; and an interactive website with an e-commerce element. The first products are expected to be available next year.
Meanwhile Riot Consulting will provide strategic analysis, contribute content, develop branding and serve in an advisory capacity to companies that are targetting the tween market.
Reflecting the importance of this market Riot Consulting claims that it has already been retained by TV Guide. Riot Consulting is working with TV Guide to help the publication reach younger, wider audiences through advertising, advertorials, cable and satellite providers and special interest publications.
Gissen added, “Having studied this market exhaustively, we know precisely what this demographic likes and wants and we know how to reach them. We are exceptionally well positioned to take our expertise and leverage it in both our proprietary products and consulting businesses.”
All Riot’s content stems from a central, core story that draws on the universal theme of the battle between good and evil with villains and underdog heroes. The Riot story is set in a fictional, small American city that is threatened when an evil circus arrives. Determined to drive the locals insane and steal their mental powers, the members of the circus — nasty clowns, disgusting freaks, scary daredevils and wild animal acts set up shop and begin implementing their diabolical plan.
Faced with this threat, the town’s boys rally and fight back – aided by a very special chimp who escapes from the circus and helps the boys in their desperate fight. As the true hero of the story, Riot the Chimp is the mascot of the entire Riot brand and will be featured prominently in all materials and products.
Gissen said, “The Riot storyline is everything tween boys love — action-packed, irreverent, humorous, gross, scary and zany — but we never cross the line. We will be edgy but safe. Parents won’t have to worry that our content will be inappropriate in any way.”
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.
