News Broadcasting
TV18 finalises media business consolidation
MUMBAI: Television Eighteen India Ltd has finalised the scheme for consolidating its media businesses, the preliminary details of which were approved by its board on 12 October.
Existing shareholders of TV18, holding 10 shares of face value Rs 10 each, would now be allotted 12 shares with a face value of Rs 5 each in Network 18 and 14 shares of Rs 5 each in TV18. This is based on the share swaps recommended by the experts. KPMG India Pvt Ltd provided valuation guidance for the scheme of restructuring, while BMR & Associates acted as transaction and financial advisors.
Business news operations (including ‘Awaaz’ and ‘CNBC-TV18’) is being consolidated in TV18, whereas Network 18 India Holdings Ltd (Network 18 – proposed name of the listed holding company) will hold majority stakes in TV18 and in the channel ‘CNN-IBN’. TV18 would also hold a portfolio investment stake in CNN-IBN, whose value could be realised at an opportune time. The restructuring would enable the Group to comply with the uplinking guidelines of the government.
The Group will now approach the stock exchanges for mandatory clearances and apply to the Delhi High Court for sanction of the scheme, TV18 informed BSE today.
Following the sanction, the revised structure would leave TV18 with a share capital of 52.41 million shares with a face value of Rs 5 each, and Network 18 would have a share capital of 50 million shares with a face value of Rs 5 each. After the restructuring, Network 18 will approach the markets with a public offering to raise money for further growth as well as facilitate efficient price discovery.
Hitherto, Hindi consumer channel CNBC Awaaz and general news English channel CNN IBN were held in promoter entities and were legally not part of the listed company due to restrictions on uplinking guidelines of news channels from India.
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.
