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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Nagaland expands media accreditation to include digital, electronic platforms
By Staff Writer in Media News on Thursday, 05th February 2026 at 3:34pm
Under the updated framework, the Nagaland government has decided that the accreditation will now cover satellite television channels, electronic media organisations dealing with news and current affairs, digital media platforms, as well as freelancers and technicians associated with electronic media, in addition to print journalists, following the Nagaland government’s notification of the Nagaland News Media Accreditation (Revised) Rules, 2025, EastMojo reported.
The revised rules were issued through Government Notification No. IPR/MEDIA/6-2/2016 after Cabinet approval conveyed via letter No. CAB-1/14/2023 dated December 18, 2025.
Officials said the move is aimed at making the accreditation process more inclusive and ensuring broader representation of media personnel engaged in news dissemination and related services across Nagaland.
The revision comes amid the rapid growth of digital and electronic media, recognising their increasing role in public communication and informa
PayTV operators flag telco content bundling to TRAI
By Staff Writer in Media News on Thursday, 05th February 2026 at 3:32pm
India’s PayTV distributors have raised concerns with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), accusing telecom operators and broadband service providers of harming the linear television business by bundling content with mobile and internet plans.
Industry bodies and leading distribution platform operators (DPOs) said such practices are distorting competition, as the same broadcaster content is sold to telecom companies at lower prices while PayTV operators remain bound by strict tariff regulations. They claim subscribers are moving away from both PayTV and paid OTT services in favour of bundled telecom offerings.
Executives said this pricing disparity has weakened the entire paid content ecosystem, with PayTV and OTT platforms struggling to retain subscribers. DPOs also flagged regulatory imbalance, noting that while they operate under TRAI’s New Tariff Order, telecom operators face no equivalent framework governing content bundling.
They have urged policymakers t
Entries open for Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award 2026
By Staff Writer in Media News on Thursday, 05th February 2026 at 3:30pm
The Danish Siddiqui Foundation has invited entries for the Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award 2026, instituted to recognise journalism that reflects integrity, courage, empathy and a commitment to truth.
Established in memory of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Danish Siddiqui, the award honours reporting that engages deeply with complex realities, upholds ethical standards and contributes meaningfully to public understanding through impactful storytelling.
The jury for the 2026 edition comprises veteran journalist, writer and critic Om Thanvi; Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of The Wire; Suhasini Haidar, Diplomatic Editor at The Hindu; senior investigative journalist and author Josy Joseph; Prof Sabeena Gadihoke, Director of AJK MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia; and Saurabh Dwivedi, former founding editor of The Lallantop.
Established in 2025, the Danish Siddiqui Foundation works to advance value-based journalism by empowering aspiring and experienced journalists through cur
Hervey Bay Advertiser closes after six years
By Tony Bosworth in Media News on Thursday, 05th February 2026 at 9:35am
The Hervey Bay Advertiser joins the list of now defunct local newspapers, with publisher Malcolm Quinn announcing the newspaper has closed its doors, citing increased costs and insufficient revenue and an unwillingness to compromise on quality.
“In May 2020, when News Corp Australia announced it would stop printing and either close or convert around 112 local and regional newspaper titles as part of a major restructure toward digital-first publishing, we felt that Hervey Bay still had a decisive appetite for a truly local newspaper,” Quinn said.
“That decision proved to be correct. The Hervey Bay Advertiser has proudly served the community since that time, publishing for almost six years and producing close to 150 editions.”
During its publication tenure, The Hervey Bay Advertiser was recognised by the Country Press Association as the Best Community Newspaper in Queensland, setting a benchmark for both editorial quality and advertisi
THE BRIEF: Bridge too far
By Tony Bosworth in Media News on Thursday, 05th February 2026 at 5:55am
Morning, welcome to Thursday and the big question is, who would want to be Chris Minns? I ask because The Daily Telegraph is giving the NSW Premier a right word lashing this morning, with no less than two critical stories on the front page and yards of follow-on words inside. Top of page 1 is a picture of a group of 'E-HOONS' as the Tele calls them, streaming over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Tuesday on their electric bikes (as well as conventional motorbikes) and breaking many a law as they did so. Usefully, state political editor James O'Doherty's extensive piece inside the print edition includes a graphic with a list of the broken rules and laws. Thing is, says O'Doherty, and cue reader outrage, police didn't pursue the riders because it "could have been dangerous". Fair enough. But when they did catch up with the "gloating mob of e-bike riders" none were booked, with an assistant police commissioner quoted as sayi
Union budget coverage drives sharp rise in news channel ad rates
By Staff Writer in Media News on Wednesday, 04th February 2026 at 10:22pm
News channels in India increased ad rates significantly during the Union Budget weekend, driven by high audience interest and advertiser demand.
According to e4m, rates for live speeches and analysis climbed sharply compared to standard pricing.
TV9 reportedly raised 10‑second slot charges to nearly Rs 12,000, attracting banking, insurance, LIC, and automobile advertisers. News24 also increased rates 1.5× to 2×, led by FMCG, BFSI, and automobile brands.
Other channels gained from higher ad revenue as well. Despite the surge in demand, advertisers approached spending cautiously, keeping in mind a wider slowdown in the market.
Aaj Tak unveils Salaam Cricket as T20 World Cup build-up event
By Staff Writer in Media News on Wednesday, 04th February 2026 at 9:27pm
Aaj Tak is set to host Salaam Cricket, a flagship event bringing together prominent names from Indian cricket to analyse Team India’s preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The initiative aims to offer viewers in-depth discussions on player form, team combinations, match strategies, and performance under pressure.
The event will feature cricketers including Rishabh Pant, who is expected to share insights from his World Cup experience and perspectives on modern-day cricket. Fast bowling discussions will be led by Mohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma, and Umesh Yadav, while veterans Madan Lal, Atul Wassan, and Chetan Sharma will reflect on India’s bowling legacy. Sunil Gavaskar is also set to present his views on technique and the evolution of the game.
World Cup winners Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Yuzvendra Chahal will discuss the mindset required to perform on the global stage.
Through Salaam Crick
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