News Broadcasting
TV18 net profit up by 40% in Q3 FY 20
MUMBAI: TV18 Broadcast has reported a 40 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth in its consolidated net profit at Rs 205.16 crore for Q3 FY19 from Rs 146.96 crore in the previous year.
Its consolidated operating revenue stood at Rs 1,425 crore in Q3 FY20 against Rs 1,275 in Q3 FY19. TV18 chairman Adil Zainulbhai said, “Our emphasis on delivering value to the consumer, expanding the partner ecosystem and raising profitability were the primary milestones during the past quarter.”
He further said, “Amidst a difficult ad-environment and continued regulatory flux, the rise in rankings for flagship channels is a positive indicator for the future. We are constantly adjusting our programming and business model for the continual technology, consumer and regulatory changes in the business.”
The company continues to benefit from linear TV subscription benefits by witnessing 40 per cent YoY revenue growth in Q3. “Implementation of the NTO (New Tariff Order) has created a transparent and non-discriminatory B2C regime, which continues to boost our TV subscription revenue. Improved distribution tie-ups across cable and telcos have brought the consumer closer to our class-leading content bouquet at an affordable optimum price,” it said in its financial release.
In line with its strategy of being platform agnostic, the group stitched multiple partnerships with notable digital platforms for serving their users a discerning selection of our content.
“The prevalent weakness in macro-environment and sluggish spending appetite by advertisers continued to drag ad-revenue down YoY for both news and entertainment. Shift of channels from DD Freedish to pay ecosystem continues to impact Hindi GEC ad-revenues for all the top broadcasters. Government initiatives to boost growth and a natural refresh-and-recalibration of ad-budgets should revive ad-growth as we head towards the new fiscal,” the company said.
It further informed, “Kids edutainment product Voot Kids progressed to a commercial launch with promotional plans. Voot’s freemium version with offerings like digital-exclusive and digital-first broadcast content as well as original content behind a pay-wall is slated to be launched soon.”
TV18’s Q3 average viewership share in news was 10.2 per cent, down from 10.9 per cent in Q2.
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.
