News Broadcasting
DD News flaunts impressive launch statistics
MUMBAI: Relaunched fledgling DD News seems determined to fight its way back into the reckoning. And it’s not made a bad start either, if statistics provided by the pubcaster (Cable & Satellite Viewers 4 yrs + (03/11/03 – 08/11/03) Monday – Saturday) are anything to go by.
In the first week of its new avatar, DD News claims to have grabbed 26 per cent of market share in Delhi, equalling that of market leader Aaj Tak, among Hindi news channels.
In Chennai, the only place where conditional access is up and running, DD News has ensured a 100 per cent reach, just as the satellite news channels are at zero per cent. In Kolkata, DD News’ share is way ahead at 44 per cent, while Aaj Tak, NDTV India, Zee News and Sahara Samay are at 13 per cent each and Star News is further behind at six per cent. Only in Mumbai has DD News been unable to match Aaj Tak’s 29 per cent share, currently having eaten into a 13 per cent share (even Zee News is ahead with a 18 per cent share). The rest of Maharashtra (one million plus towns) however bodes well for DD News as the channel has managed a share of 33 per cent as against Aaj Tak’s 29 per cent.
The rest of Tamil Nadu has taken well to DD News too, with the channel having garnered a 67 per cent share as against a 33 per cent share commanded by Aaj Tak. So has Bangalore, where Aaj Tak has a three per cent channel share as against DD News’ 88 per cent.
Doordarshan’s diktat to cable operators to carry the new news channel too seems to have worked well as the channel’s reach is comparable to the satellite news channels, if not better. Except for Gujarat, where DD News’ reach is lower than that of Aaj Tak, it is more than the reigning news channel in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata and almost equal to that of Aaj Tak in Mumbai.
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.
