News Broadcasting
Star News claims top slot with Aaj Tak
MUMBAI: Star News has claimed that it has shot up to share the top position with Aaj Tak, fuelled by a spurt in viewership in Mumbai following the week that flooded the city.
According to latest Tam data, quoted by Star News, the channel enjoyed a 25 per cent share among C&S 15+ audiences in the Hindi speaking markets (HSM) for the week ended 6 August. NDTV and Zee News lagged behind, holding a share of 15 per cent share each.
In Mumbai, however, Star News was a clear leader in this audience group with a 33 per share, followed by Aaj Tak (28 per cent), while NDTV India and Zee News shared the third slot (11 per cent each).
Even in Maharastra, Star News was ahead with 30 per cent, while Aaj Tak’s share stood at 28 per cent. Zee News and NDTV India held 12 per cent share, respectively.
Commenting on the gains made by Star News, Media Content & Communications Services India Pvt. Ltd, (MCCS) CEO Uday Shankar says, “It is very satisfying. This points to the kind of endorsement Star News enjoyed with its slant on human interest stories following the torrid rains on 26 July.”
MCCS is a joint venture between Star Group and ABP TV ( owned by ABP Group of Kolkata) that manages Star News and its Bengali sibling Star Ananda.
Quoting Tam data, Star News claimed to have seven of its programmes in the top ten. Shankar says the people-oriented programming helped the channel to get in audiences.
Viewers also spent more time on Star News. According to Tam data provided by Star News, the time spent per viewer on the channel was 54 minutes as against Aaj Tak’s 42 minutes. For Zee News, the comparative figure was 32 minutes while NDTV’s stood at 28 minutes. Says a jubilant Shankar, “For Star News, the journey has just begun.”
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.
