News Broadcasting
X’mas classics popular with American kids on TV: Nielsen
MUMBAI: Several of American television’s perennial favourites during the holiday season did well with children of all ages in the seven local markets where Nielsen Media Research has introduced Local People Meter (LPM) service.
In the 40 years or more that these four Christmas classics A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer have been presented on television, this is the first holiday season that local demographic ratings have been widely available.
Because December is not a traditional sweeps month, Nielsen was unable to provide demographic information on local programming until it introduced its Local People Meter service, which electronically and continually records audience viewing. The LPM demographic information demonstrates the enduring appeal of the four classic specials, whose popularity appears to be driven by Baby Boomers watching these programs with their children.
Among the four specials A Charlie Brown Christmas, which celebrated its 40th anniversary on television this year had the highest overall average ratings, with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer scoring the highest with kids.
The most popular classic holiday special overall in the LPM markets Charlie Brown delivered its biggest ratings among all viewers (over age 2) in Chicago. It appealed to all ages, with strong performance among viewers age 25-54.
The programme was especially popular with children, delivering double digit ratings for children age 2-11 in Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
The movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey had its biggest overall local rating among all viewers in Philadelphia. The Grinch’s highest rating among children age 2-11 was also in Philadelphia, with Boston and Chicago as strong runners-up.
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.
