5 minutes with Alex Walker
By Seamus Byrne in Media News on Tuesday, 04th August 2020 at 8:59amAlex Walker joins Influencing this week for our latest 5 Minutes, with plenty of thoughts on his journey through journo land.

What do you do and where does your work appear?
I'm the editor of Kotaku Australia, and all my stuff appears on https://www.kotaku.com.au
Anything else in your career you’ve been known for?
I basically led all the gaming coverage for ABC Technology + Games, I've written for PC Powerplay, Cybershack, games.on.net when that was around. Main thing was doing a lot of esports coverage for the first decade of my career, but my job now requires me to be more of a generalist. Before that, I used to run a lot of esports -- just gaming in those days -- tournaments around Sydney, which was a great experience.
What did you really want to ...
To continue reading this article...
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The Media Roundup - streaming quotas
By Tony Bosworth in Media News on Thursday, 06th November 2025 at 9:33am
Much coverage across the media this week - both specialist and mainstream press - on the government’s decision to legislate content quotas for streaming services.
Tim Burrowes at Mumbrella says it’s about time.
“Nobody is going to accuse the government of being precipitous when it comes to its communications industry policy,” wrote Burrowes.
“Two-and-a-half years after announcing a content quota for the streaming companies, the government has … announced a content quota for the streaming companies.”
Burrowes takes readers on a history tour of the missteps and missed opportunities when it comes to Australian content.
Ronald Mizen at The Australian Financial Review had some numbers for streamers like Netflix.
“Netflix will be forced to spend $100 million a year on making or buying Australian TV programs under new content quotas being introduced into federal parliament on Thursday.”
At Mediaweek Natasha Bell, newly minted media editor at the publication, als
Junkee departure highlights modern media pressures
By Phil Sim in Media News on Thursday, 06th November 2025 at 7:56am
Alice Griffin, the now former Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of Junkee Media is a star.
In Junkee, Griffin took what was essentially a dormant masthead and re-birthed it into something meaningful and important again.
So when she announced her departure from Junkee this week, her reference to mental health was concerning.
“I’m really looking forward to a new path that allows time for me to prioritise creating for myself, my relationships and (importantly for me and so many others) my mental health,” she wrote.
Junkee's Editor-in-chief and managing director Alice Griffin is refocusing on personal projects
We’ve seen a worrying uptick of journalists and media creators talk about mental health and stress, as part of the rationale for them departing their roles, or sometimes leaving the industry entirely.
Thankfully, Griffin has no intention of leaving media - she’ll be re-focusing her creativity on her own independent initiatives, while continuing the Little
THE BRIEF: Zoh, it's political
By Tony Bosworth in Media News on Thursday, 06th November 2025 at 6:06am
Morning and welcome to Thursday, with political stories from both sides of the world taking up plenty of column inches today. Let's look at the US first, not least because the Daily Telegraph - or at least it's editorial writer - is frothing at the mouth at the election of self-described democratic socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani. "New York City has had some crazy mayors over the years, but newly elected Zohran Mamdani may turn out to be the wildest of the lot," says the Tele, and then goes on to say he plans to "tax the rich to pay for free buses, universal tax-funded childcare, and even city-owned grocery stores."
Good Lord, the hide of the man! And those people who democratically elected him on a landslide - what were they thinking!? What is the world coming to? Well, it's maybe coming just a little bit to its senses - is it really so bad to have properly funded services, and if you're a billionaire maybe you can spare a few more dimes, some crumbs from your table. I know, I
Press Clubs condemn disruption of newspaper distribution in Punjab
By Staff Writer in Media News on Wednesday, 05th November 2025 at 8:43pm
The distribution of newspapers across Punjab was significantly disrupted on Sunday, following reports that vehicles carrying publications were stopped at multiple police checkpoints between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Punjab Police stated that the action was based on “specific intelligence inputs.” However, the explanation has drawn criticism from media organisations and opposition leaders, with some describing the move as politically motivated. According to a Hindustan Times report, opposition figures referred to the incident as “Sheesh Mahal 2.0,” in reference to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
The Chandigarh Press Club (CPC) and the Press Club of India (PCI) issued statements condemning the police action, describing it as a violation of press freedom. The CPC reported that several newspaper delivery vehicles were stopped and, in some cases, taken to police stations for inspection, resulting in delays and alleged harassment of delivery personnel. Incid
The Other Circle bags Amrutam's national communications mandate
By Staff Writer in Media News on Wednesday, 05th November 2025 at 8:39pm
Ayurvedic wellness brand Amrutam has engaged strategic communications agency The Other Circle (TOC) to lead its public relations and reputation management efforts across India. The partnership aims to enhance Amrutam’s national visibility and promote Ayurveda as an authentic, ethical, and evidence-based wellness system.
Amrutam, certified by the Ministry of AYUSH, is known for its women-first approach and its guiding philosophy, “Health is Beauty.” The collaboration with TOC will focus on reinforcing Amrutam’s commitment to classical Ayurvedic principles and expanding its reach among diverse audiences.
The brand’s offerings prioritise internal wellness through traditional Ayurvedic processes and are designed to support women across various life stages—from menarche to menopause. These are complemented by community-driven initiatives such as blogs, podcasts, and online consultations.
“Central to Amrutam’s model is our women-first approach, supporting holistic health
Photojournalist Richard Barman’s works exhibited in Venezuela
By Staff Writer in Media News on Wednesday, 05th November 2025 at 8:18pm
Richard Barman, a noted video and photojournalist currently associated with Northeast Now, is showcasing his artistic photographs at a prestigious international exhibition in Caracas, Venezuela.
Barman is among only two Indian artists selected to participate in the exclusive biennial event, VI Biennial of the South–BRICS, Peoples in Resistance, The Power of Diversity. The exhibition, which celebrates global artistic talent and diversity, is currently underway and will conclude on January 16, 2026.
His photographic works, which vividly portray the social and political narratives of Assam, have drawn significant attention at the event. According to Northeast Now, the President of Venezuela personally visited the venue and viewed Barman’s photographs on display.
Canada-based journalist Gurpiar Singh kidnapped in Mohali
By Staff Writer in Media News on Wednesday, 05th November 2025 at 8:15pm
Punjab Police are investigating the abduction of Canada-based journalist and Hamdard TV anchor Gurpiar Singh, who was reportedly kidnapped from the channel’s office in Shivalik Vihar, Naya Gaon, around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
According to police sources, two individuals dressed as Nihangs allegedly forced Singh into a vehicle. One of the suspects has been identified as Gurdeep Singh, who is reportedly associated with the Sikh Bandi Chudao Morcha.
Following directives from Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police, multiple teams have been deployed to trace the suspects. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning local residents to determine the route taken by the abductors, The Tribune reported.
Amar Singh Bhullar, Chief Editor and owner of Hamdard TV, confirmed that police were informed immediately after the incident. The investigation is ongoing, with teams pursuing leads based on eyewitness statements and surveillance foo
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