News Broadcasting
NBA urges BARC not to release Republic TV viewership data until LCN issue is resolved
MUMBAI: L’affaire Republic TV continues to throw up new nuances by the day. After writing to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) about the new channel’s presence on multiple LCNs/genres on several DPOs, distributors and MSOs, the News Broadcasters Association (NBA), on 17 May, written to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) CEO Partho Dasgupta urging him not to release Republic TV’s viewership data until it completely stops the alleged malpractice.
NBA secretary-general Annie Joseph has informed BARC that Republic TV is not its member, and has warned it that the release of Republic TV’s data would be tantamount to “aiding and abetting such malpractices which will have serious consequences on the news broadcasting industry in India.”
Referring to market researcher Chrome Data & Analytics dual frequency report, the NBA has cautioned that “Republic TV’s dual LCN malpractice is rampant and widespread in over 15 major MSO headends pan-India which could have an over reaching influence of over 50 per cent spurious bias on English news viewership. This will completely distort the viewership ratings.”
The news association had earlier on 15 May written to BARC cautioning it about Republic TV’s distribution ploy and urged it to follow the action it had agreed upon with the NBA in the past in case anyone violates the protocol and places a channel in several LCNs and genres.
BARC had in a statement two days ago informed indiantelevision.com that it would go ahead and release viewership data – even for Republic TV; the new set of numbers are slated to be released on 18 May.
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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.
