Network18, India’s leading news network, has announced the launch of the NextGen Young Leadership Program (NYLP), a new initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing high-potential young talent from the country’s premier business, law and engineering institutions.

The program was unveiled in New Delhi on December 23, marking a strategic step in the network’s efforts to build a strong pipeline of future-ready professionals.

According to a press release, NYLP has been designed not as a conventional job opportunity but as a structured career launchpad. The program focuses on giving participants early, hands-on exposure to the fast-evolving media and technology landscape, allowing them to learn, contribute and grow from the very start of their professional journey.

Targeted at engineering and B-school students, as well as young media-tech enthusiasts, the program blends real-time business exposure, tech-driven projects and on-the-job training to create a high-impact learning experience. Participants will work on live business challenges, gain cross-functional exposure across Network18’s diverse platforms and receive mentorship from experienced leaders, helping them develop a well-rounded understanding of the organisation and the broader media-tech ecosystem.

NYLP is positioned as an opportunity for young professionals who aspire to think big, learn quickly and make a meaningful impact within one of India’s most dynamic media organisations. By combining practical experience with structured learning, the program aims to prepare participants for leadership roles in a rapidly changing industry.

Commenting on the launch, Sanchayan Paul, Chief Human Resource Officer, Network18, said the initiative reflects the company’s intent to build a capable, young and diverse talent pipeline. He added that Network18 aims to establish long-term partnerships with leading universities and educational institutions, while creating a community of young professionals and campus ambassadors aligned with the network’s evolving media-tech vision.

With the introduction of NYLP, Network18 reinforces its focus on investing in youth, innovation and future-fit leadership talent, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is equipped to thrive in technology-led news, information and infotainment businesses.

Network18 is India’s largest omni-channel news network, with a presence across 20 television channels in more than 12 languages and seven digital news platforms in 13 languages. Its portfolio includes leading brands such as CNN-News18, News18 India, CNBC-TV18, CNBC-TV18 Prime, CNBC Awaaz, 14 regional channels, and prominent digital properties including Moneycontrol, Firstpost, News18.com and ForbesIndia.com.