News Broadcasting
BBC Magazines see robust growth in UK
MUMBAI: Homes, motoring and food categories have once again boosted the sales of BBC Magazines in the UK. Titles such as Top Gear, the local version of which which launched in India a few days ago, Good Homes and Good Food managed circulation increases.
In the January to June 2005 period, 17 titles in the BBC Magazines portfolio saw both year-on-year and period on period sales increases. BBC Magazines subscriptions were up by 21 per cent year on year
Highlights include
– Circulation of Good Homes went up by 13 per cent
– Top Gear magazine celebrated its 23rd consecutive period as the market leader
– Food group sold over 440,000 copies combined
– However Radio Times posted marginal decrease in hugely competitive market
– In the Pre-school segment Balamory was up 35 per cent and Bob the Builder went up up by 27 per cent
BBC Magazines MD Peter Phippen says,”Yet again, BBC Magazines continues to set the kind of sales increases other publishers aspire to in core areas. Recent independent research suggested that our titles, as well as extending the enjoyment of great BBC television, radio and online output, are also the UK’s most trusted. I am confident that the ongoing investments and new launch activity we have been making across our entire portfolio will ensure that we continue to experience growth in many other markets throughout 2005/06.”
Top Gear magazine publisher Adam Waddell says: “Top Gear managed overall year-on-year growth of 10 per cent. Under the ever-innovative editor Michael Harvey, the title has delivered constant and substantial growth – we’re now selling an additional 35,000 copies per month at the UK newsstand and to UK subscribers compared to the same period two years ago just prior to our redesign in summer 2003.
“Top Gear magazine’s appeal has also gone global with the recent launch of the tenth international edition in Thailand, to accompany the already successful nine other territory-specific editions in countries as diverse as Korea and the Netherlands . Also we relaunched the Top Gear magazine website – www.topgear.com – which aims to be the UK’s premier online motoring destination. An all new ‘Drives’ section is the car buyer’s ultimate tool, whilst the Time to Burn? area showcases stunning motoring photography and video clips from the TV show for the first time.”
BBC Magazines’ Food Group publisher Nicki Hill says,”The popularity and loyalty for BBC food magazines shows no signs of dissipation despite four new titles in the food market in the last two years. With subscriptions for Good Food and Olive up a staggering 35 per cent and 71 per cent respectively year on year and sales of Easy Cook up by 71 per cent it is clear that when people seek a gorgeous melting pot of top culinary advice, close links to popular television shows such as Full on Food and Master Chef, and the best advice from award-winning chefs such as Heston Blumenthal and John Torode, BBC food titles are perceived to be the most trustworthy in the market.
“An overall circulation increase for the food group of 10 per cent indicates a really exciting period of growth in the food market – a sector created by BBC Magazines over 15 years ago.”
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
