News Broadcasting
Time Warner buys Liberty Media’s Court TV for $735 million
MUMBAI: Media conglomerate Time Warner has acquired Liberty Media Corporation’s half of Courtroom Television Network LLC, the owner of Court TV, for $735 million.
Time Warner now owns Court TV in its entirety. Court TV will operate as part of Turner Broadcasting System Inc., within its entertainment division, under the direction of entertainment group president, Mark Lazarus.
Time Warner’s Turner Broadcasting unit, also manages a large group of cable networks including CNN, Turner Classic Movies and the Cartoon Network.
Seen in 86 million households, according to an official release, Court TV covers all aspects of the US system of justice. It is the leading producer of original programming in the crime and justice genre as well as other content, which appear on its network and popular Web sites as well as, increasingly, new distribution platforms.
Time Warner chairman and CEO Dick Parsons said, “Acquiring all of Court TV represents a strategic investment in one of Time Warner’s most successful lines of business – our news and entertainment cable networks. We’re confident that Court TV will continue its top-notch performance and become an important contributor to our growth. We look forward to working with our friends at Liberty Media in the future.”
Liberty chairman John C. Malone said, “We have enjoyed our long association with Court TV and its exceptional management team. The business has created tremendous value for our shareholders. We wish Henry Schleiff and his team well and have no doubt Court TV will continue its strong track record of success and value creation for Time Warner’s shareholders.”
Henry Schleiff, who served as Court TV’s chairman and CEO, will be the network’s non-executive chairman for the next six months, focused on Court TV’s transition to Turner and the network’s public service initiatives.
Liberty president and CEO Gregory B Maffei said, “We’ve enjoyed building Court TV with Henry and Time Warner, and we’ll welcome the opportunity to work together again. Liberty is pleased with the value created for our shareholders by this business and transaction.”
Time Warner president and COO Jeff Bewkes said, “Let me express our appreciation to Henry Schleiff for his keen vision and inspired leadership at Court TV. Court TV has made outstanding progress in its programming, marketing and distribution operations. Turner’s presence and relationships will help us further strengthen Court TV’s competitive position.”
Turner Broadcasting System chairman and CEO Phil Kent said, “Court TV’s established brand, programming franchises and robust new media extensions complement our successful branded entertainment and news networks and businesses. This integration into Turner will ensure Court TV’s future growth and success, as well as make our portfolio stronger.”
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.
