News Broadcasting
CNN, India Today tie up to provide insights on Indian opinion
MUMBAI: CNN International and India Today has announced the findings of a poll commissioned by the two news organizations. Conducted by AC Nielsen ORG-MARG, the poll ties in with CNN’s special programming initiative, Eye on India, which aims to provide international audiences with a broader and deeper insight into India as a growing power in the world.
In a statement issued, the polls was conducted amongst 1,028 respondents across 10 towns (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Pune, Patna and Jaipur) of which the survey soughted opinions from females and males aged 18- 60 years, across SEC A and B, through street corner interviews. The findings were categorized into three age segments: 18-30 years, 31-40 years and 41-60 years.
The poll revealed some interesting facts:
On India’s relationship with Pakistan, Kashmir still remains top of mind. Two in every three respondents feel that India and Pakistan cannot have any constructive relations unless the Kashmir issue is resolved. Nearly 60 per cent also feel that India and Pakistan cannot resolve the Kashmir dispute in the next five years or might not be able to resolve it ever. A majority of the respondents have an unfavorable image of Pakistan, even in the younger age groups.
On the United States, opinion seems to be divided. Almost an equal number of respondents have a favourable, neutral or a negative image of USA. Interestingly, nearly 45 per cent of the respondents feel that China is a competitor to India.
Close to 43 per cent of respondents stated that their economic situation has improved in the past five years. This figure is as high as 71 per cent in Chennai, a city witnessing large-scale development. In comparison, only 28 per cent of the respondents in Kolkata shared this opinion. The poll also revealed that the economic situation has improved more for people in SEC A than it has for people in SEC B.
More than half the respondents feel India’s infrastructure can support its global ambitions. The mood seems to be upbeat with 41 per cent respondents feeling that the quality of their life will improve under the leadership of PM Manmohan Singh – A feeling shared by all age groups and both SEC A and SEC B.
More than half the respondents feel that the International business community looks at India as an attractive place for doing business.
The top two things that India needs to do to achieve super-power status, according to the respondents, is to pay more attention to International trade and to build infrastructure.
The survey also revealed that 34 per cent refuse to pay more taxes for improved quality of education for their children; and an equal number said that paying more taxes would not help to improve the quality of education for their children anyways. However, residents of Kolkata, Patna and Jaipur are more willing to bear the burden.
On 18 September, Eye on India’ featured a comprehensive mix of over 20 hours of live and feature programming on India and its various facets. As part of the theme week, CNN also played host to a televised panel discussion from across India and Pakistan called CNN Connects: Dialogue for Peace, hosted by CNN’s Jim Clancy with a studio audience in Mumbai and an expert panel from both India and Pakistan.
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.
