News Broadcasting
Zee News claims best of the rest status among affluent adults
MUMBAI: Is the “Sabse se Pehla” (the first) news channel becoming “Sabse (bar one) aage”?
An official communiqué issued by Zee’s news arm asserts that among affluent adults (TG AB 25+) it is ahead of rivals NDTV India, Star News, Sahara News, and DD News .
Quoting the latest TAM ratings for the week ended 31 July in Hindi speaking markets TG AB 25+, the communiqué informs that the channel has surged far ahead of its competitors with 18.9 per cent channel share.
The channel also claims that the stickiness quotient is high, what with the time spend per viewer on Zee News is more than that of NDTV India and Star News.
Zee News has three more programmes in the pipeline – a daily sports bulletin Action Replay, 40 news nuggets packed in a half-hour bulletin News Top 10+ and Mumbai Fast – one hour show of Mumbai unplugged.
It ascribes its resurgence to its alert bureaus, authentic facts and spot reporting much ahead of its rivals. That apart, the channel claims that analysis of the top news has helped put events in perspective and provide better understanding to its viewers.
Haunting pictures of Kumbakonam school fire, news from the remote site following the derailment of the Matsyagandha Express, live coverage of the Venus transit, special coverage by Javed Miandad of the Asia Cup 2004, are among the the highlights that helped the channel score over its rivals, the release states.
Zee News has also come out on top in the programming section with its Crime File, the release says. In addition, a daily crime bulletin Crime Reporter, Jawab Dehi, weekly fashion bulletin Yeh Raat Mastani have slowly gained popularity.
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.
