News Broadcasting
Chennai lad’s ‘Leafy’ story wins grand prize in Disney’s ‘Start Your Story Contest
MUMBAI: Ten year old Samrudh Canpadee from Chennai has won the grand prize of ‘Start Your Story Contest’ presented by Disney Channel in association with Microsoft XP.
Out of over 25,000 original and creative stories sent in by kids from across the India, Samrudh’s story Leafy and Frens, based on the life and times of a leaf, has won him and his family the trip of a lifetime to the Disney Studios in Burbank, California, USA.
Speaking about his story, Samrudh says, “I have read stories with animals, kings and queens are heroes but I have never read a story where a leaf is a hero. So I wrote the story Leafy and Frens where the leaf is the hero of the story. I like writing stories. A lot of ideas come to me in my dreams.”
The contest triggered off a huge response with entries in excess of 25,000, making it a close fight to the top 10 finalist’s slot. All the finalists were rewarded with HP Pavilion Media Centre PCs.
Vignettes of each of the finalists (top 10 stories) have already been aired on Disney Channel. The 10 finalists’ stories were published on the channel’s website for viewer’s to vote for their best story. Five of such voters whose choice of best story matched with that of the jury were also awarded HP Pavilion Media Centre PCs. The top 10 schools who sent in the maximum number of entries across the country also won a HP Media Centre PC each. Apart from this, the top 100 winners short-listed earlier, bagged a Microsoft Encarta CD each along with posters from Disney Channel.
Walt Disney Television International (India) director marketing and communications Tushar Shah said, “Storytelling is an important part of Disney’s heritage. We aim to encourage storytelling and creativity in kids by nurturing their love for fantasy and imagination. Through this contest on Disney Channel, we have been able to provide an exclusive platform that empowers kids to express themselves. The initiative has inspired kids to demonstrate talent while fostering the creative usage of latest technology. I am certain that it has been a unique brand experience for the viewers and marketers alike.”
Microsoft India director, Windows Client Rishi K Srivastava said, “The magic of software is in redefining the computing experience today, enabling more and more individuals across age groups to do more things with their PC and explore new ways to ultimately realise their full potential with technology. In sync with this belief, while conceptualizing this innovative contest with Disney, our singular focus was on encouraging greater creativity and imagination by young minds and introducing them to the rich and collaborative environment of Windows XP which enabled them to bring their stories to life. We are extremely excited by the tremendous response that the contest has generated. Our heartiest congratulations to all the winners.”
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.
