News Broadcasting
News18 Network’s counting day TV viewership leaves IPL finale behind
Mumbai: According to the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), the News18 network has achieved an unprecedented reach of 16.20 crore on counting day, surpassing the television reach of the 2024 IPL Finale, which was 10.90 crore.
The total reach of counting day was calculated by aggregating the reach of Network18’s 20 channels across various languages, while IPL Finale’s total reach was derived from 13 Star Sports channels. (counting day Unrolled Data | Source: BARC | Channel: Network18 (20 channels) | Metric: Reach TG: 2+|Period: 04th June 24, 24 Hrs I Market: All India) (IPL Finale | Source: BARC | Channel: Star Sports (13 channels) Metric: Reach TG: 2+| Period: 26th May’24, 24 Hrs | Market: All India)
Amassing 41.1 per cent market share, CNN-News18 emerged as the undisputed leader in the English news genre on the counting day of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. (Source: BARC | Metric: Market Share per cent | TG: 15+ AB | Period: 04 June’24, 24 Hrs | Market: India |7 Channels considered) (Source: BARC | Metric: Market Share per cent | TG: 15+ AB | Period: Wk 23’24, 24 Hrs | Market: India |7 Channels considered)
News18 India recorded a whopping 7.69 crore (unrolled) reach on the counting day. The number one Hindi news channel recorded a 3.74 crore reach, its nearest competitor had a reach of 3.40 crore. The Counting Week data also shows News18 India’s remarkable cumulative reach of 11.15 crore. (Source: BARC | Metric: Reach TG: 2+ | Period: 04th June’24,24 Hrs | Market: HSM | *As per BARC CER) (Source: BARC | Metric: Cume Reach| TG: 2+ | Period: Wk 23’24, 24 Hrs | Market: HSM)
To highlight its unparalleled viewership on the counting day, News18 Network launched a media campaign on Friday. The news network released a front-page ad in all editions of The Economic Times, showcasing comprehensive dominance over competitors on the counting day of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
News18’s programming on counting day started at 6 AM, bringing the most accurate trends throughout the day. Combined with live on-ground reportage, the counting day coverage stayed on top of all key developments and reactions as they came in.
Bolstered by top anchors such as Zakka Jacob, Kishore Ajwani, Anand Narasimhan, Rubika Liyaquat, Amish Devgan, Rahul Shivshankar, Aman Chopra, Shivani Gupta and Prateek Trivedi, News18 Network not only aims to expand its market share but also enhance brand image and establish stronger ties with advertisers with growing visibility.
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.
