Mirror Now, the English-language channel under the Times Network, aired its final broadcast on May 5, quietly exiting India’s media landscape.  Its abrupt shutdown underscores the mounting pressures faced by news outlets--shrinking ad revenues, algorithmic dependence, changing viewer habits and structural weaknesses in the current media model. “Very sad to hear that my former employer, Mirror Now, has shut down its services. Many of my colleagues lost their jobs overnight,” said Megha Upadhyay, now with ABN News. “Don’t assume journalism is the most secure career… journalism is one of the most unpredictable jobs today you’re in the office, tomorrow you could be out.” The closure follows recent layoffs at ABP News, News Nation, and Zee. For industry watchers, Mirror Now’s end is part of a wider reckoning. “I have always wondered what particular need(s) of the viewers' Mirror Now was meeting uniquely. I think, none,”  Ashish Kaul, strategy consultan

When most journalists chase trending hashtags or scan Twitter for a story, Sathish Kumar prefers something far more old-fashioned: stepping out of the newsroom and into the noise of real life. Whether it’s a high-stakes political meet in Salem or a simmering civic issue in a village just off the highway, he’s likely already there—mic in hand, phone in pocket, and notebook open. A reporter with ABP Nadu, Sathish has carved a niche in Tamil Nadu’s local news landscape by staying close to the ground, both literally and journalistically. With just over five years in the field, he might still be early in his career, but the stories he’s told—and the way he tells them—are anything but lightweight. “I’ve been interested in journalism ever since I was a kid,” he says, recounting how an uncle in the media sparked his curiosity. That childhood fascination turned into a full-fledged calling, though not before a detour through an MBA. “I did study journalism formally

In a move reminiscent of Cold War-era preparedness, India is set to conduct nationwide civil defence drills on May 7, 2025, marking the first such exercise since 1971. This directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) comes in the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.  Hot off the Press Bharti Jain for The Times of India reported that, this directive encompasses 244 districts across the country, aiming to bolster preparedness against potential hostile attacks. The drills will simulate wartime scenarios, including the activation of air raid sirens, enforced blackouts and evacuation procedures for civilians and students. The Economic Times elaborated that these exercises aim to assess the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, operationalise communication links with the Indian Air Force and evaluate the functionality of control rooms. The drills will also involve training civilians, including students, in basic civil defence

The Science Journalist Association of Australia has jumped on board as media partner for Pint of Science Festival 2025.  This partnership has been designed to “support and strengthen science communication and science journalism nationally,” the two organisations said in a joint statement.  The organisations will work on, “building public awareness and appreciation of Australian research, fostering high-quality science communication and journalism in Australia, and raising awareness of Pint of Science Australia and SJAA events and volunteer opportunities”. Incoming Pint of Science Australia co-CEOs Dr Anna Oszmiana and Brett van der Leest said they were very happy with the partnership agreement.  “We’re thrilled to welcome the SJAA as a media partner for the 2025 Pint of Science festival. In a time when clear, evidence-based communication is more important than ever, this partnership represents a shared commitment to connecting the public with the people behind th

  Seven West Media has today announced it has entered into a binding agreement with Southern Cross Media Group Limited to acquire the television licences and assets operating in Tasmania, Darwin, Spencer Gulf, Broken Hill, Mt Isa and Remote, Central and Eastern Australia.   These licences currently broadcast the Seven Network television signal in each market under the current Affiliation Agreement with SXL.   The acquisition largely completes SWM’s national broadcast network and opens new markets to Seven where the offering of digital television – both live and VOD – on 7plus complements the Seven broadcast signal.   SWM Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Howard, said: “The acquisition of these television licenses is another positive step in SWM’s strategic transformation program.      “Seven is Australia’s largest commercial free-to-air broadcaster and we are excited by the opportunity to further leverage our leading news, sport and en

  With the Albanese government re-elected, it hasn’t taken long for media bosses to call for action on the long discussed News Media Bargaining Code.  In a timely article by the Australian Financial Review’s media and marketing reporter, Sam Buckingham-Jones, he reports three of Australia’s biggest media companies have called on the newly elected Albanese government to commit to a firm timeline to fix the News Media Bargaining Code, more than after a year Meta announced it would not renew deals paying news publishers an estimated $70 million a year. Buckingham-Jones reveals News Corp Australia executive chairman Michael Miller has joined Nine Entertainment chief executive Matt Stanton and Seven West Media chief executive Jeff Howard in pushing for what they described as tangible action on the law, which forces big tech platforms to negotiate with news outlets to pay for news. “More than a year has passed since our political leaders affirmed their determination that dea