News Broadcasting
Creating distinctive value: Times Network wins Porter prize
MUMBAI: Times Network was recently awarded one of the most coveted corporate awards, Porter Prize 2016, which aims to recognize strategic acumen of corporates in India. The Porter Prize Award in creating distinctive value category was received by Times Network MD and CEO M K Anand and head of international business Naveen Chandra in the august presence of the minister of state for civil aviation Jayant Sinha at an event held in Delhi.
The award honoured Times Network International business for their outstanding performance in the industry, ability to offer unique solutions to customers, effectively creating new market spaces, segments and providing solutions that redefine the market.
Anand said, “With over 100 million English viewers, Times Network is the most powerful media platform to influence opinion makers in and about India. We realize that beyond nurturing a profitable business we are also in a unique position to speak to our audiences and effect positive change in the Social and Economic spheres through our powerful channels.”
Porter Prize is organized in honour of the renowned philosopher, thinker, Harvard faculty member and the father of the modern strategic field, Michael E Porter. The central idea of the Porter Prize is to propel companies to compete on the basis of value creation, innovation and strategy and has a robust three-stage process of making an application, strategy audit and jury evaluation.
Chandra added, “Times Network has reached over 80 countries on five continents in just under five years building distinctive value for the business. The Indian diaspora globally is a very potent audience and we have built many high impact engagement platforms for the diaspora.”
The network that expanded its operations in UK last November, now delivers segmented and differentiated content to over 1.4 million viewers in UK. Internationally, the network is present across 83 countries in the world and has an aggressive expansion plan to start operations in France and Germany, in the near future. In India, the channel engages with over 100 million urban affluent viewers and its network channels enjoy an undisputed leadership in the country.
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.
