News Broadcasting
Study sees four fold growth in DVR use in the US
MUMBAI: One of the major technological innovations sweeping the US television landscape is that of the digital video recorder (DVR). This allows viewers to view a programme later if they are watching another show or are doing something else.
Now a study has stated that the use of DVRs in America is expected to more than quadruple in the next four years.
The Yankee Group, a Boston-based communications research firm has predicted that the number of homes equipped with digital video recorders will grow from seven million at the end of this year to 33.5 million by the end of 2008.
A report in CNN added that Yankee has identified TiVo and Echostar as the dominant manufacturers of the machines. The DVR allows for recording to be done on a hard drive rather than a tape.
Aditya Kishore who wrote the report added that a significant percentage of people with DVRs record most of the television they watch and view it later. This allows them to skip ads.
Yankee has also mentioned NDS, Scientific Atlanta and Motorola as other companies that make DVRs. Yankee made its estimate based on the number of stand-alone digital recorders or those built into television cable boxes or satellite equipment. It did not include the number of PC-based recorders.
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.
