News Broadcasting
TV Today’s net profit up 24 per cent
MUMBAI: TV Today Network, broadcaster of India most popular news channels in Hindi, Aaj Tak, and its English sibling Headlines Today, today reported that it’s net profit has increased by 24 per cent to Rs 320.8 million from Rs 259.2 million during financial year 2003-2004 ended 31 March.
The company has also proposed a maiden dividend of 15 per cent.
TV Today’s revenue for the year under review stood at Rs 1425.2 million based on the audited results, which shows an increase of 30 per cent over the previous year’s revenue of Rs 1093.8 million.
The network’s EPS (earnings per share- of face value of Rs 5 each) stands at 6.38, whereas the operating margin and net profit margin stand at 44 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively.
The fourth quarter revenue (ended 31 March 2004) stood at Rs 446.4 million as against Rs 314 million, indicating an increase by 42 per cent as compared to the corresponding quarter of last year. Net profit for the quarter stood at Rs. 94 million, up by 45 per cent as compared to the corresponding quarter of last year.
Commenting on the results, an official statement from TV Today quoted CEO G Krishnan as saying, “Our performance clearly reinforces the faith investor and business associates have in the TV Today brand. This is also a result of growing confidence in our channels. The results reinforce our leadership position in the market.”
Aaj Tak, the flagship brand of the company, has also claimed that its reach is consistently growing and has reached 29.79 million viewers during the election (results) week. On the counting day, 13 May, Aaj Tak had a lead in viewership and the channel share of Aaj Tak was 37 per cent, almost double that of it’s nearest competitor.
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.
