News Broadcasting
US youth wielding more influence over household media choices
MUMBAI: The power of Generation Next in deciding family purchase decisions ranging from media and entertainment to even what food is eaten in American homes is on the up and up.
These were the findings announced on Wednesday by global marketing research and consulting firm RoperASW in its 2003 Roper Youth Report, which examINed the purchasing power of American teens and tweens.
According to the study, the influence exerted by 8-17 year olds in household purchasing decisions of books, music, newspapers, magazines, DVDs and television has increased by 10 per cent or more in the past year.
Percent of Children (8-17 years old) Who Say They Have Influence in Purchasing:
Item 2003 2002
DVDs/Videos 71% 64%
Music 67% 60%
Books 58% 50%
Cable and Satellite TV Service 22% 16%
Electronics 37% 33%
Magazines and Newspapers 35% 32%
Percent of Parents Who Say Children Have Influence in Purchasing:
Item 2003 2002
DVDs/Videos 79% 69%
Music 73% 62%
Books 66% 51%
Cable and Satellite TV Service 25% 17%
Electronics 44% 38%
Magazines and Newspapers 39% 29%
“Purchasing clout among today’s kids has expanded beyond the traditional borders of snack food and video games,” said Ed Keller, CEO of RoperASW. “We are beginning to see children as young as eight having an impact on new, more sophisticated areas like home design.”
According to the data, more and more 8-17 year-olds are saving up for more expensive purchases. Clothing, shoe, and music purchases rose 8, 5, and 3 per cent respectively among teens and tweens. Thirty-two per cent of kids are saving money for clothes, 15 per cent for shoes, and 13 cent for music purchases.
The Roper report study is based on 500 in-depth, in-person interviews with consumers age 8 to 17. The sample claims to be nationally representative of the youth and teenage population of the United States.
RoperASW, an NOP World company, is a leading global marketing research and consulting firm. With headquarters in New York and offices in London, Manila, and throughout the U.S., NOP World is the seventh largest market research company in the US and among the top ten globally.
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.
