News Broadcasting
X-Zone puts AXN in top 3 intl channels in India
MUMBAI: A series of invigorating promotional and marketing initiatives coupled with a localisation drive last year have paid action oriented channel AXN rich dividends.
In order provide a whole new dimension to interactive television programming, the channel had brought down Mike Whitney for the AXN Who Dares Wins – India Special . Figures reveal that the series roped in 9.25 million viewers for the episodes spread over six weeks. The first run of the show in the week of 17 November to 22 December in the 8 pm – 9 pm slot on Sundays notched up a rating share of 20.6 with 14.1 rating shares for the repeat telecasts on Mondays. In fact, the India Special even overtook the original series in its ratings, the channel claims.
Last year, AXN launched shows like Fear Factor, The Amazing Race, Guinness World Records: Primetime in the X-Zone band between 9 – 10 pm. The channel claims that this has put it among the top three international channels in India.
Speaking on the programming strategy adopted last year Assistant V-P Sales and Marketing, SET (I) Ltd Rohit Bhandari said,”The challenge that AXN faced was really to take an inherently international and increasingly successful brand and give it a more local feel, something which it has very effectively done last year. We initiated the process of striking a fine balance by managing a firmly entrenched international brand, yet infusing just the required amount of local flavour thereby not diluting its brand identity.
The branding is the same, the commitment to 100 per cent high-quality action-adventure programming is unwavering, but the execution in terms of on-the-ground events, programme content, scheduling and even advertising varies as the channel adapts to cater to the preferences of specific markets. Through our X-Zone shows and the AXN Who Dares Wins-India Special, we attempted ‘appointment viewing’ amongst audiences. We’re putting efforts on all fronts – creating the best quality channel, striking on-air presentation, and engaging on-the-ground events which viewers get a kick out of. “
On the advertising front, AXN roped in several blue-chip sponsor partners – including Hero Honda, Samsung, Colgate-Palmolive, Perfetti and Bharti (Airtel) – for its local production and integrated their products into the show. The channel will announce plans for this year next month.
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.
