News Broadcasting
NDTV Q3 net loss widens to Rs 1.2 billion
MUMBAI: The grim tale of economic downturn continues with yet another media company posting poor third-quarter results. NDTV Ltd’s consolidated net loss has widened to Rs 1.21 billion, as against a loss of Rs 320.2 million in the quarter ended 31 December, 2007.
The figures also capture the losses made on the entertainment and allied business of Rs 1.04 billion.
NDTV’s revenue grew 12 per cent to Rs 1.31 billion, from Rs 1.08 billion a year ago.
The company said that the change in the external environment and the economic downturn has resulted in a visible slowdown in advertising revenues not just for NDTV, but for the industry as a whole. It also mentioned that it has already initiated major rationalisation of costs on all fronts – distribution, personnel and administration, to improve efficiency and streamline operations.
It claimed that the group has cash balance of over Rs 4 billion, net of all debt, to meet any future business expense requirements including new programming and developments.
The company’s total expenditure stood at Rs 2.33 billion, nearly double from Rs 1.19 billion on a year-on-year basis. Operating expenses shot up mainly due to rise in marketing, distribution, promotional and production costs.
On a standalone basis, NDTV posted a net loss of Rs 174.8 million for the third quarter ended 31 December 2008 while revenue was at Rs 825.9 million.
NDTV has received confirmation of no objection from the stock exchanges (BSE, NSE) for the de-merger of news and entertainment businesses and it will be filing the scheme with the Delhi High Court, the company said in a statement.
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.
