News Broadcasting
CNN-IBN & IBN7 use Twitter’s Periscope to engage audience
MUMBAI: News on social media is no longer about live news feed or trending hashtags. Viewers of CNN IBN and IBN7 can now engage real-time with anchors and journalists through Twitter’s live-streaming app Periscope.
The unique campaign, which was initiated on Independence Day in August 2015, intensifies to churn out rich interactive content, enhancing audience engagement and empowering viewers to watch and engage through the app. On Periscope, viewers can not only watch but also interact with CNN-IBN and IBN7 journalists by sending messages, and expressing their appreciation by tapping the screen to send ‘hearts’, a feature in the Periscope app.
Some of the path-breaking live scopes by the news channel include the streaming of Karma Paljor’s Periscope on Indonesian Air Crash, Steve Herman’s eyewitness Periscope on Bangkok blast, battle for Bihar and the recent census row amongst others.
Talking about the same, IBN Network president and A+E Networks|TV18 CEO Avinash Kaul said, “We believe in inclusive journalism and in extending its points of engagement with the viewers beyond television. Getting our anchors and journalists to interact through Periscope is another such endeavor.”
Twitter India TV partnerships head Viral Jani added, “Use of Periscope brings tremendous opportunity for TV broadcasters to build loyalty and engagement with their viewers. Through Periscope, TV anchors and channels can broadcast great live video content complimentary to the on-air broadcast, creating a delightful viewing experience for their audiences.”
Subsequently, CNN-IBN and IBN7 aim to enhance its viewer engagement through greater play in the social space.
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.
