News Broadcasting
Asia-Pacific pay-TV subscription revenue to touch $22 billion by 2008: Report
MUMBAI: The US-based communications & networking research and consulting firm Yankee Group has predicted that pay-TV subscriptions in the Asia Pacific region will increase to $22.1 billion by 2008.
In its report, the research firm has also observed that cable operators in the region will face increasing competitive pressure from telecom, broadband and satellite service providers.
According to the report, with a market size of $11.7 billion, majority of revenue still comes from the basic cable TV service segment.
Cable’s dominance in part is attributed to increasingly positive government support and, in some cases, intervention in individual Asia-Pacific economies. The legalisation of private cable operation in Taiwan has led to phenomenal growth in the country’s cable TV sector.
Telcos and broadband Internet providers gear up their infrastructures for pay TV in Asia-Pacific. Cable TV service will account for 70.5 per cent of the total subscription revenue while satellite direct-to-home (DTH) 27.3 per cent with other emerging services accounting for 2.2 per cent, said an official release quoting the report.
“Telecom carriers and broadband Internet providers are poised to extend their presence in the Asia-Pacific pay-TV arena,” says Yankee Group telecommunication strategies Asia-Pacific senior analyst Agatha Poon. “By spending millions of dollars on infrastructure and technology, telcos and broadband Internet providers have the potential to upset the present balance of cable-satellite pay-TV market. Content will be the key to drive demand for premium pay-TV subscription beyond the basic package that constitutes the bulk of the subscriber base today.”
The report states that although much activity now revolves around the delivery of digital cable TV services, traditional cable operators will face increasing competitive pressure from DTH and broadband providers in several Asia-Pacific economies including Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Australia. As innovative technologies and service flexibility separate winners from losers at the operational level, Asian governments should strengthen their role in pushing market uptake through further deregulation and liberalisation, says the report.
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.
