News Broadcasting
TV Today FY’11 net slips 60% on slow rev growth
MUMBAI: TV Today Network, which runs leading Hindi news channel Aaj Tak, has managed a 2.96 per cent topline increase in a difficult fiscal where some of the television news broadcasters have struggled to scale up revenues.
A slow revenue growth, the merger of the loss-making radio operations and a 11.63 per cent increase in expenses dragged down TV Today’s net profit by 59.75 per cent.
TV Today posted a net profit of Rs 124.24 million for the fiscal ended 31 March 2011, down from Rs 308.67 million in the earlier year.
Income from operations was marginally up at Rs 2.93 billion, from Rs 2.85 billion in FY’10.
The company’s expenditure stood at Rs 2.83 billion, up from previous year’s Rs 2.54 billion.
While almost all segments of expenditure saw a marginal increase, TV Today’s spent on advertising, marketing and distribution went up by 39.76 per cent to Rs 842.65 million (from Rs 602.9 million).
The company’s operating profit fell to Rs 98.48 million, from Rs 309.21 million a year ago.
The income generated by the TV Broadcast segment stood at Rs 2.89 billion, while operating segment from the segment was at Rs 367.58 million.
Meanwhile, the radio segment revenue stood at Rs 42.15 million, while operating loss stood at Rs 219.08 million.
The firm made an advance payment of Rs 455 million to Mail Today Newspapers to enter the daily newspaper space. The venture is currently notching up losses.
For the fourth-quarter ended 31 March, TV Today has posted a net profit of Rs 95.03 million, as against a net loss of Rs 100.84 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal.
The revenue during the quarter went up 6.95 per cent to Rs 843.47 (from Rs 788.71 million), while expenses came down to Rs 735.25 million (from Rs 843.61 million).
The revenue and operating profit from the TV broadcasting segment during the quarter stood at Rs 825.91 million and Rs 180.12 million respectively.
The radio division posted a revenue of Rs 17.56 million and an operating loss of Rs 50.47 million during the quarter.
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.
