News Broadcasting
Q1: TV Today’s news biz sees small dip in rev & 3.8% fall in operating profit
MUMBAI: TV Today, which runs a clutch of news channels including flagship Aaj Tak and Headlines Today, has seen a marginal dip in its fiscal-first quarter revenue from the television broadcasting segment while operating profit has slipped 3.84 per cent over the year-ago period.
Revenue from the television broadcasting segment fell marginally to Rs 684.35 million for the three months ended 30 June 2012, from Rs 690 million a year earlier.
The television broadcasting’s profit before tax and interest dropped to Rs 42.54 million compared to Rs 44.24 million a year ago.
TV Today runs a four-channel bouquet comprising English news channel Headlines Today, Hindi news channels Aaj Tak and Tez, and regional channel Delhi Aaj Tak.
The company’s overall net loss for the first quarter ended 30 June has widened 24.36 per cent to Rs 3.5 million from Rs 2.82 million a year ago.
Income from operations during the quarter remained flat at Rs 705.74 million, from Rs 703.53 million a year ago. Its total income stood at Rs 706.43 million compared to Rs 703.94 million.
Expenses during the quarter remained under control at Rs 711.34 million, a marginal decrease from Rs 713.34 million.
TV Today’s FM radio broadcasting segment posted revenue of Rs 22 million, up from Rs 13.90 million a year ago.
The radio broadcasting business reported a loss before tax and interest of Rs 45.44 million from Rs 47.71 million a year earlier.
TV Today said it has made a strategic investment of Rs 455.2 million in Mail Today Newspapers for entering into print media.
While conceding that Mail Today was incurring losses and is in early stages of operations, the company said it was confident of future profitability of the newspaper business.
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.
