News Broadcasting
Aaj Tak, Headlines Today enter US market via Echostar
MUMBAI: After Star News, Zee News and NDTV, it is the turn of TV Today to make its American entry.
Aaj Tak and Headlines Today, two of the three channels managed by TV Today, have tied up with EchoStar’s Dish Network, a leading satellite service provider for South Asian programming in the US.
With this tie-up, Aaj Tak and Headlines Today are expected to reach out to over 100,000 households in the USA from today (6 October).
Speaking on the initiative, TV Today CEO G. Krishnan says: “There is a large Indian diaspora in the US. While the geographical boundaries are shrinking, the distance between them and India seems to be widening. Launching Aaj Tak and Headlines Today on the Dish Network will offer the viewers with live news and analysis straight from home right into their living room.”
He added: “We are delighted to join hands with Dish Network who have established themselves as a market leader with their vision and pioneering efforts and are committed to constantly enhancing their South Asian programming mix.”
TV Today CMD Aroon Purie says: “Aaj Tak and Headlines Today have been able to successfully widen the viewership base for news in India. This step will further widen the base for Indian news internationally.”
Aaj Tak and Headlines Today will be available to Dish subscribers as part of a package and also on an a la carte basis. The price, however, was not disclosed.
“We are excited to serve as the exclusive pay TV provider of Aaj Tak and Headlines Today channels in the United States,” Tracy Thompson, vice president of international programming for Dish Network said.
Aaj Tak has been the undisputed market leader in the Hindi News genre in India since its launch, though several other channels are now snapping at its heels.
Headlines Today, after an erratic start, has made significant inroads in the English news market segment. The third sibling is the recently launched Tez, which is by and large a Hindi version of Headlines Today where news is told crisply and minus lengthy studio discussions, etc.
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.
