The Department of Communication at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) hosted a public lecture titled “Content and Discontent: Some Questions for Journalism in the Age of Cockroach Uprising” on Friday, featuring Naresh Fernandes, Editor of Scroll.in, as the speaker.  The lecture discussed how artificial intelligence, social media algorithms and changing economic models are affecting journalism. Fernandes spoke about the shift from search-driven website traffic to social media platforms such as Instagram, which have become important channels for political and public communication.  He also discussed how social media’s focus on visual content and quick engagement can leave less space for historical context and detailed reporting. The lecture examined the rise of sensational content and “ragebait”, designed to attract attention and engagement.  Fernandes, however, said there continues to be str

Journalists and supporters staged a protest outside the District Commissioner’s office in Golaghat on August 28, demanding action over the alleged assault and confinement of journalist Devashish Saha by Forest Department officials. Saha, Assistant Secretary of the Golaghat District Journalists’ Association and a journalist with a private electronic news channel, was allegedly assaulted while reporting on the seizure and rechecking of two vehicles carrying sand and gravel on August 20. Speaking to Influencing India, Saha said, “I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from my colleagues and friends from the journalist fraternity. Their solidarity has given me strength at a difficult time. It means a lot to know that fellow journalists have stood by me and raised their voice over what happened.” According to Saha, he had gone to the Forest Department premises to seek an official response after two vehicles carrying sand and gravel were handed over to the department fo

B&T has announced the winners of its 2026 Women in Media Awards, recognising women across journalism, media, advertising, marketing and communications.  Vanessa Liell of Orizontas was named Woman of the Year, while Belinda Rowe received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Among the media winners, Nicole Madigan was named Journalist/Producer for her reporting on domestic and family violence, while freelance journalist Nina Funnell received the Social Change Maker award for her #KeepCounsellingConfidential campaign.  Fox Sports general manager Erin Ferreira won the Glass Ceiling Award, while Amelia Johns of UTS was recognised in Education/Research. 2026 B&T Women in Media Awards – winners Job Role Categories Agency Sales / Account Management — Stephanie Theonas, WPP Beauty Tech Labs Business Support — Sarah George, Foxtel Media Client Services — Kate Smailes, Havas Red Creative — Charlotte Berry, Howatson+Company Creative Produce

A 10-member media delegation from Ahmedabad arrived in Jammu on August 30 for a four-day press tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) to familiarise journalists with the region’s cultural heritage, development initiatives and infrastructure projects. The delegation visited Amar Mahal Palace and Raghunath Temple on the first day. It is scheduled to visit IIT Jammu, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, Chenab Rail Bridge, Salal Hydroelectric Project in Reasi and Biotech Park in Kathua. The delegation is being led by PIB Ahmedabad Media and Communication Officer Jitendra Yadav. Meanwhile, a 12-member media delegation from Jharkhand began a five-day PIB press tour of Kerala on August 31. The journalists will visit the Kochi Water Metro, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Rubber Board headquarters, Vembanad Lake, Vizhinjam Port and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. They will also visit CSIR-NIIST and SCTIMST to learn about research and technological developments.    

   Nimananda Das, a noted Assamese cine-journalist, cultural activist and debutant filmmaker, died in a road accident in Majuli early Sunday. He was 55. Das was in Majuli to shoot Rumyang, his directorial debut, a biographical film based on the life of Jadav Payeng, popularly known as the ‘Forest Man of India’. He was returning to his camp at Poduimoni Gaon after dropping crew members and camera equipment at Gogamukh railway station when his vehicle reportedly plunged into a ditch near Bhakat Chapori around 2 a.m. He was driving alone, Northeastnow reported. The accident came just as Das was nearing the completion of his first feature film. Actor Rajib Kro said filming had wrapped up the previous day and the team was scheduled to return to Guwahati on Monday. Remembering Das, senior cine-journalist and National Film Award-winning filmmaker Sibanu Borah said he had known him since his days in print journalism. “Nimananda was actually a good journalist and writer. When I was

Kerala Kaumudi, a leading Malayalam-language daily newspaper headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, marked its 115th anniversary with a celebration in Alappuzha on Wednesday, with Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan attending the event and highlighting the newspaper’s contribution to journalism and social awakening. Recalling the newspaper’s legacy since its founding in 1911 by C. V. Kunhiraman, Radhakrishnan said its 115-year journey was a testament to trust, courage and the enduring power of ideas. He said Kerala Kaumudi had played an important role in raising the voice of marginalised and oppressed sections. Emphasising the importance of credibility in journalism, the Vice-President said public trust remained a newspaper’s greatest asset and was built through accuracy, fairness, independence and accountability. He also called for constructive journalism that highlights innovation, scientific achievements, community service and positive social transformation. Radha

Kashmir News Service (KNS) senior correspondent Mohammad Lateef was recently honoured for his contributions to journalism and social service at an event held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC). The award was presented to Lateef by Member of Parliament Ghulam Ali Khatana in the presence of SSP Nighat Aman during a two-day programme organised by HIFAA in collaboration with Florence Hospital and ACI Asian Cancer Institute. Speaking to Influencing India, Lateef said the award was a testimony to his hard work and gives him further encouragement to continue bringing stories that have an impact on society. With 15 years of experience in journalism, Lateef covers health and drug-related issues in Kashmir. Apart from his journalism career, he is also an active social worker and conducts health awareness and anti-drug awareness camps. Lateef also organises the annual Infotel Awards Ceremony, which recognises individuals for their contributions to society.