News Broadcasting
BBC World’s Asian viewership up by 15 per cent, channel quotes Pax
NEW DELHI: The seventh Pan Asia Cross Media Survey (PAX) has found that BBC World has sustained the audience it gained in 2002. It has also shown an annual growth in some of Asia’s biggest urban centres.
A company release states that BBC World has experienced an increase of 15 per cent in its viewership within Asia – the fastest growth for any international news or business channel.
Across the original seven PAX markets, BBC World claims to be nearly 60 per cent ahead of CNBC in terms of reach among business decision-makers. The channel has enjoyed particularly large growth in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Taipei.
In particular, BBC World’s investment in regional programming is said to have attracted a loyal audience of senior business people. Findings show that more than 24,000 ‘top management’ in Asia tune in to BBC World either every day or almost every day, according to an official statement from the BBC.
BBC World’s overall audience profile also remains enviably upscale. Among the ten largest international channels in Asia-Pacific, BBC World’s audience includes the highest proportion of frequent business travellers (34 per cent), business decision-makers (27 per cent) and business opinion formers (35 per cent).
The release quotes BBC World’s head of research and planning Jeremy Nye, as saying, “BBC World continues to maintain its position in Asia-Pacific, attracting upmarket audiences, and cost-effective delivery to advertisers. Across the main nine PAX markets, we are pulling further away from its main competitors, and now reaching more business decision-makers in certain day parts than CNN.”
The PAX 2003 survey was conducted during the 12-month period from July 2002 to June 2003 among 19,222 respondents in markets in Asia-Pacific. The survey was based on nine markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul and India. In India, it covered Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.
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.
