News Broadcasting
CNN-IBN is the Most Watched English News Channel During Elections
MUMBAI: CNN-IBN emerged a clear favourite of viewers on Elections 2014 – further extending its rich & award winning legacy of leadership on Elections. The channel was the most watched English news channel throughout the key Elections period. As per the TAM data, CNN-IBN leads with a Market Share of 37%, followed by Times Now with 23%, NDTV 24×7 with a market share of 12%, Headlines Today with 10% and News X with a market share of 17% (Source: TAM, CS AB Male 25-54 Yrs, 6 Metros, Wk 15-20’14, 24 Hrs, All Days, Market Share basis 30 min TVTs).
The channel also emerged as the clear No.1 English Channel on each and every Polling Day with a consolidated market share of 36%, followed by Times Now with 22%, News X with 19% and Headlines Today & NDTV 24×7 with a market share of 12% each. (Source: TAM, CS AB 25-54 Yrs, All India 1 Mn+ (incl Metros), 24 Hrs across (07th, 09th, 10th, 12th, 17th, 24th, 30th April, 07th May & 12th May ’14), Market Share basis 30 min TVTs).
All through the crucial Elections Week and during the Counting Hours on May 16th, India tuned into CNN-IBN. CNN-IBN garnered 37% market share in Wk’20 as opposed to Times Now with 29%, NDTV 24×7 with 15%, Headlines Today with 10%, and News X with 9% (Source: TAM, CS AB 15-54 Yrs, All India, 0600-2400 Hrs, Market Share basis 30 min TVTs). While during Counting Hours, CNN-IBN led with a market share of 36% followed by Times Now with 32%, NDTV 24×7 with 15%, Headlines Today with 5% and News X with 11% (Source: TAM, CS AB 25-54 Yrs, All India, 0800-1200 Hrs, Market Share basis 30 min TVTs).
The last couple of months were really critical as the entire nation got engaged in possibly the most crucial elections in recent times. With the nation facing multiple challenges, there was a huge interest in the outcome of the same. The common men and women of the country have probably never been this involved in elections, and television undoubtedly became a critical touch point for key information and updates. Given the breadth and depth of CNN-IBN’s programming line-up – extensive LIVE reporting, in-depth coverage, sharp and precise analysis, data, debates and channel packaging, it was no surprise that CNN-IBN’s coverage got maximum traction. The channel’s ratings are indeed a testimony to the credibility and its unmatched coverage of these key Elections. The relentless effort by IBN Network’s formidable team of anchors and journalists, eminent panel of experts, data-analytics through CNN-IBN-Microsoft Election Analytics Centre; all contributed significantly to this success.
Speaking on this, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, IBN Network, said, “We are thankful to our viewers for making CNN-IBN, the No.1 English News channel on Elections. Considering the scale of the event, the biggest challenge for us was to ensure that the viewers receive the most accurate and up to date information right through the elections in order to ensure that they are well informed. Since the beginning of General Elections 2014, we have given insightful and unbiased reportage to our viewers and succeeded in reaching out to our viewers in large numbers.”
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.
