News Broadcasting
Hungama claims positive growth in 6:30-8:30 pm band
MUMBAI: Two months after launch, Hungama TV, the kids channel from the UTV stable, has laid claim to garnering an average weekly reach of 11.9 per cent in the kids segment.
Hungama TV, citing TAM data covering four weeks (24 October to 20 November) for TG 4-14 ABC, across Hindi speaking markets, claims that its cumulative reach has grown 3.4 times since its 26 September launch.
An official release from the channel states that it has delivered its best ratings in the 6:30 to 8:30 pm time band, where its channel share has increased from 3.8 per cent to 8.3 per cent (Base: Kids Channels Hungama TV, Cartoon Network, POGO, Nickelodeon , Animax).
Hungama TV COO Purnendu Bose was quoted in the release as saying, This feedback goes to show the huge gap that existed in the Indian kids market for all these years and how Hungama TVs winning strategy of providing localized live content created keeping the Indian kids in mind has made the channel garner phenomenal reach.”
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.
