News Broadcasting
BBC Worldwide profits up 50 per cent
MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide the commercial arm of the BBC has published its Annual Review for 2004/05.
It has announced record profits of £55 million for 2004/05, a year on year increase of 50%. Sales increased by seven per cent to £706 million and cash flow to the BBC was up by £4 million to a new high of £145 million.
Following a strategic review and reorganisation, the company now operates six businesses: TV channels, TV sales, magazines, home e4ntertainment, Children’s products and new media. Both through its own operations, and via joint ventures, it seeks to drive commercial benefit from rights and content on behalf of the BBC.
The TV Sales business saw profits of £31.7 million. Sales were up from £167.7 million to £171 million. 40,000 programme hours were sold. Relationships with independent production companies continued to flourish and, following the new Terms of Trade, output deals with key independents were struck, including with Endemol UK and Hat Trick Productions.
During the year BBC Worldwide acquired the rights to distribute ITV-commissioned and Channel 4-commissioned programmes made by independent production companies for the first time. In the future the business aims to become the distributor of choice for UK programme producers
BBC Worldwide CEO John Smith said, “This has been a key year for BBC Worldwide and the company has delivered excellent results. We have completed a reorganisation, made some board changes, begun to develop a new strategy, and are now halfway towards the target of doubling profits over 24 months. The cash we returned to the BBC from both profits and direct investment into programming was also a record £145 million.
“The BBC’s review of commercial activities last year has ended, and we now have a clear understanding of our role, scope and objectives, and of BBC Worldwide’s relationship with the BBC. The contributions offered by a wide range of external contacts were very useful, and we have acted to address major concerns by, for example, selling the women’s magazine eve and stopping the trailing of magazines on BBC television.”
As far as BBC Magazines is concerned the company had announced a joint venture with Times of India’s magazine subsidiary. Thuis will enable BBC titles to be launched in India. Eight new international editions of BBC Top Gear were licensed, and future growth in overseas activities is expected. BBC magazines’ circulation went up by eight per cent.
BBC targetting Chinese channel: Meanwhile A executives from BBC Worldwide will visit China with plans for a television channel there. A repotr in The Guardian notes that the BBC has had a strained relationship with the Chinese authorities over its news reporting in the past. The corporation is also planning to launch a new children’s channel in the US.
The division is also looking to license its books and learning division. Possible partners include media and education group Pearson.
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. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. 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.
