News Broadcasting
English news genre ratings get a fillip from election results suspense
BENGALURU: The English news genre benefitted from the state elections results that were declared early this week. In the week leading to the Gujarat elections, the genre’s ratings climbed and that climb continued in week 50 of 2017 (Saturday, 9 December 2017 to Friday, 15 December 2017) as channels put forth their guesstimates about who would win one of the dirtiest fights during recent Indian elections. No abuse and misuse of emotions was spared by politicians who wanted to prove that the junta – the voter was still with them, or to attract that additional vote from the electorate.
In week 50 of 2017, as per data by Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), the combined ratings of the top five English news channels (All India (U+R) : NCCS AB : Males 22+ Individuals) increased 22 percent to 2.889 million impressions as compared to the immediate trailing week. The top five channels retained their ranks from week 49.
As has become the norm since its launch in week 19 of 2017, the Arnab Goswami led Republic TV topped the genre with 20 percent higher ratings of 0.982 million weekly impressions in week 50 as compared to the 0.819 million weekly impressions in week 49. Goswami’s former employer, Times Now, was at second rank with 14 percent higher ratings during the week under review at 0.864 million weekly impressions as compared to 0.759 million weekly impressions in week 49 of 2017.
India Today Television was at third place with a 36.3 percent hike in ratings to 0.462 million weekly impressions in week 50 from 0.339 million weekly impressions in the previous week. CNN News 18 was at fourth rank with a 41.2 percent growth in viewership to 0.329 million weekly impressions from 0.233 million weekly impressions in week 49. At fifth place was the Prannoy and Radhika Roy-led NDTV 24×7, which saw its viewership grow by 15 percent to 0.252 million during the week under review from 0.219 million weekly impressions in week 49.
Dominance of Republic TV continues as genre ratings plunge
Republic TV, Times Now viewership moves up as genre ratings fall
Republic TV continues to lead English news genre despite bumps
Stunning victory for Republic TV, Republic watches Times Now
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.
