I’ve been a critic of the News Bargaining code ever since its inception. However, I’m going to change positions and say the government has now gotten it “right enough”. With one big exception. My main beef with the code was two-fold: from a logic perspective, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to ask big technology companies to pay for sending their audience to news sites. Because the defensive mechanism for big technology companies is to do what Meta has done in Canada, and simply stop featuring news on their platforms. Which is not to say I don’t believe that big technology companies should contribute more to our economy, and I’m more than ok with that being funnelled into supporting professional journalism. I would instead use a Digital Services tax to achieve that. That is what the government has introduced as its fallback position, for technology companies that don’t want to go to the negotiating table with the media companies. Ho

Journalists at Nine are threatening to strike over changes the media organisation is forcing through newsrooms under the Future News program. Steve Jackson revealed in The Australian’s media column this morning that “the vast majority of newsroom staff were so miserable they have secretly signed an ‘explosive’ letter of demand… after being informed they had to agree to perform up to a day of unpaid overtime each week as part of the sweeping changes.” Jackson quoted one signatory of the letter who said, “This is all over the Future News changes.” “We’re all being expected to start performing three simultaneous roles – reporter, cammo, editor – as if we’re not already working hard enough as it is, and we have to take on all that additional responsibility for no additional money whatsoever,” the unnamed source told Jackson. The source claimed that new contracts put to staff include a non-negotiable cl

Housing downturn deepens as rates bite and confidence cracks Australia’s property slump is accelerating, with fresh data showing capital-city dwelling values falling again and auction clearance rates sliding to their weakest levels since 2020. The coverage underscores a broader economic squeeze: higher interest rates, cost-of-living pressure and budget settings are now feeding directly into weaker demand, with flow-on risks for household spending and construction. Covered by: The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney Morning Herald. Labor sharpens ‘news tax’ to force Big Tech to fund journalism The federal government has refined its News Bargaining Incentive, narrowing the revenue base to digital advertising while lifting pressure on platforms to strike funding deals with Australian publishers—reportedly bringing more services (including LinkedIn) into scope. It’s a major policy fight over the sustainability of public-interest journalism and the balance

Arena Media India, part of the Havas Media Network India, has won the integrated media mandate for Keo Karpin, one of India’s longest‑standing hair care brands, following a competitive multi‑agency pitch. The mandate will be managed from Arena’s Gurugram office under the leadership of Manish Sharma, President, Arena Media. With a legacy of over six decades, Keo Karpin, now part of the Dey’s Medical Stores Pvt. Ltd. portfolio, has remained a trusted household name through its signature fragrance and hair oil formulation. As competition in the personal care segment intensifies, the brand aims to strengthen market presence and reconnect with consumers. Aligned with Havas’ philosophy of “Growth, Powered by Desire”, the network continues to expand its footprint in eastern India, identifying the region as a major growth market due to its scale, cultural diversity, and evolving consumer demand. As part of the mandate, Arena Media India will lead K

Senior journalist Rakesh Thapliyal from Delhi has been elected President of the National Union of Journalists (India) [NUJ(I)], while Rakesh Sharma from Jaipur has been elected Secretary General.   All office bearers and National Executive members were elected unopposed in the biennial organisational elections. The newly elected team will assume office during the NUJ(I) National Convention in Jaipur on September 19–20, 2026.  

The Press Club of India will hold a condolence meeting on July 31 at 3 pm to pay tribute to veteran sports journalist Jasvinder Sidhu, honouring his remarkable life and contributions to journalism. Journalists, media colleagues, friends, and well-wishers have been invited to attend and offer their respects.