News Broadcasting
News18 to telecast of BYJU’S ‘Young Genius S2’ starting 15 January
Mumbai: News18 has announced the second season of BYJU’S “Young Genius” starting on 15 January and will air every Saturday and Sunday across the News18 network, HistoryTV18 and Colors.
This season features prodigies aged 6-15 years showcasing their superlative achievements in a new avatar. The 22 contestants have been chosen from 20,000+ children across India from different fields such as performing arts, academics, technology and sports to name a few.
Senior anchor Anand Narasimhan is back on the show and will be joined by celebrities like Vidyut Jammwal, Shankar Mahadevan, Mouni Roy, Geeta Phogat, Pulela Gopichand, Geeta Kapoor for this season.
“We are elated to host season 2 of ‘Byju’s Young Genius’ and give a platform for many inspiring kids who have the potential to shape the future of this country,” said Network18 CEO – Hindi news cluster Karan Abhishek Singh. “This show is based on a unique concept that showcases young prodigies across such diverse expertise areas. Having children from different backgrounds and skills that are extraordinary in today’s world, the show is an adequate representation of umar choti, kaam bade.”
“At Byju’s, we have always believed that every child is unique and gifted and with a national platform like ‘Byju’s Young Genuis,’ we have been encouraging spirited children across the country to showcase their exceptional talent,” said BYJU’S marketing head Atit Mehta. “This year as we start season 2, we are certain of finding some more hidden gems and brilliant young talents of India who will be an inspiration to all of us.”
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.
