News Broadcasting
When children became editors…
MUMBAI: Asianet News, the leading news channel in Kerala, has been keen enough to cater to the needs of the audience. As part of engaging the audience, the channel organises various programmes throughout the year. One such initiative is the Child editor, held every year on Children’s Day since 2013.
Through the programme, vibrant, energetic, able and confident students from class 2 to 9 get an opportunity to present news in the numero uno channel of the state. They appear in every news bulletin from Vartha Prabhatham at 7am to 9@9 at night.
17 students from across the state got the opportunity to present news on Children’s day this year. They were selected after a number of auditions held at Kochi, Calicut and Trivandrum bureaus. Selected kids were given training with tele-prompter so that get accustomed with the news atmosphere.
Each child editor was given a segment to read in every bulletin along with the news presenters of the channel .Sai Pournami from Holy Angels ISC school, Trivandrum was the first one to present news this year followed by Farsana Parveen, Abet Mathews from Ernakulam, Della Richu from Thiruvalla. Anjana N, a fourth standard student from Government UP school, Brahmamangalam, Vaikkom was the youngest child editor among the lot. Thasha R.P (Vijayamatha EMHS, Ponnani),Arya Lalmohan (Rani Public school,Vadakara), Sharona Eliya Saji (Holy family HSS Rajapuram, Kasargode), Gargi Gangan (VHM HSS, Marayur) represented the Northern part of Kerala.
The channel assures to select students from all part of the state so that each part gets represented. With their presence and excellent renditions, the child editors have always helped the channel to achieve their aim of bringing a new charisma and energy to the news bulletins on Children’s day.
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.
