News Broadcasting
BBC World emerges as most watched intl. news channel in India during US Presidential elections
MUMBAI: Viewers in India spent more time watching BBC World’s coverage of this month’s US Presidential election than any other domestic or international English language news channel.
Numbers thrown out by Tam show that on 2 – 3 November, BBC World’s reach almost doubled (up 97 per cent) in India’s top six metros compared to the previous week.
BBC World attracted the highest share of audiences in the SEC group A in India’s top six metros on the two days surveyed, with an increase of 125 per cent across the whole country during this period over the same days the previous week (26 and 27 October).
The Peoplemeter research also revealed that BBC World was the most watched channel in Mumbai with a 44 per cent channel share, ahead of other news channels including CNN (23 per cent), NDTV 24X7 (23 per cent), CNBC (6 per cent), and Headlines Today (4 per cent). Viewers in Mumbai also watched BBC World for much longer (31 minutes per viewer) than CNN (13 minutes), NDTV 24X7 (12 minutes), CNBC (5 minutes) and Headlines Today (5 minutes).
In the two-week period leading up to the elections (24 October – 6 November), BBC World was watched by 7.8 million viewers, nearly twice that of CNN. BBC World regularly appeared in the top ten programmes amongst international news channels, with viewers tuning in to its hourly news bulletins, Asia Today and its State of The Union Season, a special season tied into the US election.
BBC World senior research manager India Dezma de Melo said, “These excellent results once again reflect BBC World’s credibility amongst Indian viewers who turn to the channel for its objective analysis and comprehensive coverage of significant global events. BBC World has emerged as a clear winner with viewers turning to the channel’s unparalleled election coverage from a global perspective.”
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.
