News Broadcasting
Disney’s ‘My School Rocks’ gears up for National roll out in November
MUMBAI: Following the global success and drawing inspiration from Disney Channel’s original movie High School Musical, Disney in India is set to introduce a country wide interschool group-dance competition ‘My School Rocks.’
Walt Disney Television International (India) executive director – programming and production Nachiket Pantvaidya said, “Disney Channel programming reflects real kids’ lives, their aspirations and dreams. ‘My School Rocks’ is all about encouraging kids to express themselves while learning the value of teamwork. As in the movie High School Musical, this contest is about believing in yourself and following your dreams.”
The last date for schools to register with the Disney Channel is 10 November. Participating schools will choreograph a dance sequence on the High School Musical hit song ‘Ho ek hi aim’ and appear for auditions at select locations in cities across India. Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan would then shortlist five finalists from the entries received. Disney Channel will air vignettes of these five performances in December and the final winner will be decided based on audience polls by Disney Channel viewers and Saroj Khan’s evaluation of the teams, informs an official release.
The winning group will star in a special music video, which will be choreographed by the Khan that will premiere on Disney Channel on 25 December 2006.
Nachiket added, “High School Musical has created rating highs across the globe. Its popularity among Indian audiences symbolizes the popularity of Disney Channel’s contemporary and universally relevant content. ‘My School Rocks’ contest is an effort, in the context of the movie, to provide Disney Channel viewers delightful moments to be enjoyed with the peer group and the entire family.”
Audition dates across select cities in India include:
– Amritsar: 9 November
– Kolkata and Delhi: 15 and 16 November
– Mumbai: 16 and 17 November
– Ahmedabad: 17 November
Khan and Nachiket today visited the Father Agnel School, Gautam Nagar, New Delhi to congratulate the school on being the first to register in this all-India event.
Saroj Khan said, “Being associated with kids through a Disney Channel event is definitely a very different experience. I am extremely excited about this dance contest and am looking forward to meeting and dancing with a lot of kids! The uniqueness of the event is in its philosophy of self-expression and that’s a beautiful thing to teach our kids today.”
The foot tapping music of High School Musical was rendered in Hindi by industry stalwarts Sunidhi Chauhan, Naresh Kamath, Shweta Pandit, Neuman Pinto, and directed by John Stewart, programmed by DJ G and John Stewart. The on-ground events include the ‘My School Rocks’ school contact program across 650 schools in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Amritsar where principals and art teachers are being briefed about the contest. They are being presented with the ‘My School Rocks’ kit complete with the VCD, lyric sheets, dance moves etc.
My School Rocks is being presented by Cadbury Bournvita in association with Reynolds Pens, Nippo Batteries, Candyman Cofitino, Peppy and Pizza Corner.
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.
