Permission to speak honestly
By Seamus Byrne in Media News on Friday, 10th July 2020 at 11:10am
We work in an industry where a search for the seed of truth is at the heart of informing readers. What is really happening behind the glossy pictures and polished speech?

This is something that journalists strive to find in their work, but it’s also something they struggle to do themselves when the media industry is in such a precarious position.
“How’s work?”
“Great. Busy, but, yeah, things are going well!”
I’ve heard a variation of this theme many times when I’m catching up with colleagues. Even with good friends. It takes a while for people to get comfortable and let the protective veneer slip back to say what’s really happening. Typically, it’s too much work, not enough support, the eternal sen...
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News Australia launches 2025 cadet program
By Staffwriter in Media News on Tuesday, 01st July 2025 at 9:09am
News Australia has opened applications for the next intake of its National Editorial Cadet Program, offering 30 aspiring journalists the opportunity to join Australia's most recognised news brands.
The comprehensive 12-month paid program combines foundational journalism training with the latest innovative techniques and technologies that are shaping the future of news reporting.
Successful applicants will gain invaluable experience working across leading mastheads including The Australian, Herald Sun, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier-Mail, The Advertiser and news.com.au.
Herald Sun Editor Sam Weir, who has spent his career at News Corp beginning as a cadet in Adelaide, said: "Our National Editorial Cadet Program represents News’ ongoing investment in quality journalism and the next generation of media professionals. We're committed to nurturing talented individuals who will help us continue our mission of building a better Australia through powerful storytelling and impactfu
Seven West Media becomes largest regional commercial TV broadcaster after latest acquisition
By Staffwriter in Media News on Tuesday, 01st July 2025 at 8:47am
Seven West Media has today announced it has completed the acquisition from Southern Cross Media Group Limited of the television licences and associated assets operating in Tasmania, Darwin, Spencer Gulf, Broken Hill, Mt Isa and Remote, Central and Eastern Australia.
Following the acquisition, SWM becomes the largest regional commercial television broadcaster in Australia, and in a statement said it, “provided continuity for these regional communities to connect with our leading news, sport and entertainment content on Seven and 7plus”.
The transaction cost $3.75 million.
SWM Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Howard, said: “SWM is pleased to have completed this small but strategically important acquisition that solidifies our position as Australia’s leading regional commercial television broadcaster.
“Our ongoing commitment is to ensure that our regional communities can access our local and national news bulletins, our compelling
Free premium digital access for students as The Age launches subscription licence for Swinburne University
By Staffwriter in Media News on Tuesday, 01st July 2025 at 8:26am
Melbourne’s daily newspaper The Age is available to students and staff at Swinburne University of Technology from today in a new premium subscription licensing deal announced by Nine and aimed at engaging audiences with quality journalism.
Patrick Elligett, editor of The Age, said: “This is more than a subscription deal. It is an exciting partnership that will set Swinburne's students on a path to a better informed future with The Age's brand of rigorous and fearless independent journalism.”
Campus Access allows students and staff at Swinburne to have complete access to a premium digital subscription to the journalism in The Age from today.
With plans to make the licensing deal available to universities around Australia, Swinburne is the first Victorian university to enter into the arrangement following the University of Sydney partnership announced earlier this year.
The Campus Access partnership will allow students and staff to access a complimentary s
NDTV India Bolsters Newsroom with Strategic editorial hires
By Staff writer in Media News on Monday, 30th June 2025 at 9:06pm
NDTV India has strengthened its editorial team with the addition of Subhankar Mishra,Meenakshi Kandwal, and Malika Malhotra this June.
The network described the move as a strategic step towards journalism that is credible,grounded, and aligned with the concerns of Bharat.
Each journalist brings unique strengths — from Subhankar’s strong digital presence and ground reporting, Meenakshi’s anchoring and field experience, to Malika’s long-format, issue-driven reportage.
Commenting on the new additions, Rahul Kanwal, CEO & editor-in-chief, said the trio reflects NDTV’s shift toward trust-building journalism over headline-chasing. The channel is now focusing on consistency, context, and credibility to meet the evolving information needs of India.
Telugu news presenter Swetcha Votarkar dies by suicide
By Staff writer in Media News on Monday, 30th June 2025 at 8:17pm
Swetcha Votarkar, a 40-year-old journalist and news presenter of a popular Telugu channel, T-News, passed away by allegedly committing suicide.
According to NDTV, she was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her residence on Friday night
Based on a complaint lodged by her parents, Purna Chandra Badavath was accused of the death of the journalist and is in judicial custody for 14 days.
Sharing his condolences on X, the working president of BRS, K T Rama Rao, said, “Telangana has lost a very bright mind”.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the unfortunate demise of Swetcha Votarkar, a fierce journalist, writer and a dedicated Telanganite. I am at a loss for words—my heartfelt condolences to her family, especially her daughter and her mother. And I hope they find the strength to deal with this horrific loss,” he wrote.
Votarkar’s daughter has accused Purna Chandra Nayak of misbehaving with her and being responsible for her mother’s death.
According to Siasat, Votarkar’s d
Arena India bags realme media mandate under Havas Media Network
By Staff writer in Media News on Monday, 30th June 2025 at 7:58pm
Arena India, part of Havas Media Network India, has retained and expanded its media mandate with realme following a multi-agency pitch.
The integrated win now covers traditional, digital, and strategic media solutions.
Led by Manish Sharma, Arena India is known for ROI-driven strategies for high-growth brands.The win is rooted in Havas Media Network's 'Converged' strategy—blending content, data, and commerce.
realme’s Marketing Head Zhang Tao said the agency’s consumer-first mindset and innovative media approach made them the right partner for the brand’s growth in India.
Senior leaders Mohit Joshi and Uday Mohan emphasized the strategic significance of the win, highlighting Arena’s ability to deliver scale, innovation, and effectiveness across platforms.
Maharashtra scraps three-language policy… good for them!
By Pradeep Damodaran, Pragadish Kirubakaran and Neeraja Gopalakrishnan in Media News on Monday, 30th June 2025 at 3:04pm
Image source: The Hindu, AIDEM and Indian Television Academy; Edited by Dinesh Raj M
Maharashtra scrapped the introduction of the three-language policy for Classes 1 to 5 in State government schools on Sunday, after two months of sustained opposition by academics, activists, and political parties, including the Nationalist Congress Party, which is part of the ruling coalition in the State.
Hot Off the Press
To decide the future of the policy, the government set up an expert committee to be headed by economist and educationist Narendra Jadhav, reported Vinaya Vilas Deshpande for The Hindu.
“The committee will look into the three-language policy, from which Grade it should be implemented. It will study the recommendations of the Mashelkar Committee report. It will also hear those who have a different opinion. The government will accept the Narendra Jadhav committee report,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told journalists in Mumbai on the eve of the monsoon session of t
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