News Broadcasting
BBC viewership grown in Europe, N. America, Asia: Survey
NEW DELHI: One out of three persons, among the highest level of financial managers in Europe, North America and Asia, watches BBC World regularly, according to the Global Capital Markets Survey 2003.
The survey results reveal that BBC World is the only channel to have grown in every measure of viewership in the three continents covered.
The channel’s weekly reach is up 26 per cent in Europe and 11 per cent in Asia-Pacific, while in North America – where business leaders in the US were polled for the
first time – it is 21 per cent.
The study also suggests that the number of people in Europe and Asia watching only BBC World – and not one of the three other global news or business channels – has grown by 61 per cent since 2000. BBC World’s advantage over CNBC in Europe and Asia-Pacific has grown from two per cent to 16 pr cent.
BBC World business presenter Aaron Heslehurst was quoted in a company release as saying, “This confirms the findings of other regional studies that BBC World delivers senior company leaders more effectively than the specialist business news channels. We’ve overtaken CNBC among CEOs in the market survey results. We’re regarded as the most authoritative and relevant channel in the European Opinion Leaders Survey too. Clearly our credentials have never been stronger.”
The Global Capital Markets Survey was carried out among CFOs and senior financial managers in the world’s largest organisations, top management of financial institutions and commercial and investment banks. The survey was organised by Objective Research and fieldwork was conducted between May and September 2003 by Ipsos-RSL.
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.
